Moisture and / or nutrient regulator for plants

Abstract

The present invention relates to the technical field of moisture and nutrient regulation in plants. In particular, the present invention relates to a moisture and / or nutrient regulator for plants, preferably for plant systems, plant boxes, plant pots or the like, in particular a moisture regulator for use together with and / or in combination with a plant substrate.

Description

[0001] Moisture and / or nutrient regulators for plants

[0002] The present invention relates to the technical field of moisture and nutrient regulation for plants.

[0003] In particular, the present invention relates to a moisture and / or nutrient regulator, in particular for plants, preferably for planting systems, plant boxes, plant pots or the like, preferably for use as a planting substrate and / or together with and / or in combination with at least one further planting substrate (i.e. different from the moisture and / or nutrient regulator according to the invention).

[0004] Furthermore, the present invention relates to various uses of a moisture and / or nutrient regulator, such as for cultivating plants, promoting plant growth, regulating and / or managing moisture and nutrient levels, and as a plant substrate and / or in combination with a plant substrate.

[0005] Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a kit comprising a moisture and / or nutrient regulator according to the invention for plants, preferably for planting systems, plant boxes, plant pots or the like, as well as a further planting substrate (ie different from the moisture and / or nutrient regulator according to the invention).

[0006] In addition, the present invention also relates to a plant box comprising a moisture and / or nutrient regulator for plants or a kit therefor, as well as a planting system, in particular a green roof system, comprising a moisture and / or nutrient regulator according to the invention or comprising a kit according to the invention or comprising a plurality of plant boxes according to the invention.

[0007] Increasing drought and longer periods of heat, combined with more irregular rainfall events that sometimes fluctuate greatly in intensity, are making the successful and sustainable cultivation of plants increasingly difficult. This applies to open cultures as well as to pot cultures, i.e. plants that are cultivated in containers that restrict root growth. If cultivation, particularly in pot cultivation, is carried out in a way or in a place where the plants to be cultivated are freely exposed to the elements, successful cultivation can be made even more difficult. In the case of longer periods of drought or even heat, good moisture management is necessary to prevent premature water stress that has a negative impact on growth or even causes the plants to dry out. In particular, the application or supply of water frequently and / or regularly is important.required at short intervals, since particularly in pot cultures no significant or detrimental storage of water is possible.

[0008] Likewise, heavy and / or prolonged rainfall can lead to an oversupply of potted plants with water, particularly as potentially root-damaging waterlogging in the plant container. This also carries the risk of important nutrients being more easily washed out, so nutrient deficiencies in potted plants must be actively and frequently prevented, especially since the limited volume of the planting substrate already limits the nutrient supply.

[0009] The aforementioned challenges are particularly acute for plant cultures grown on roofs, i.e., green roofs. These challenges are further exacerbated by the fact that, due to their limited accessibility, green roofs are less susceptible to influence than plants cultivated in conventional pot culture. For example, green roofs are not regularly watered or fertilized, meaning they receive no additional moisture, particularly during dry periods. Furthermore, for structural reasons (e.g., roof load) and application-related reasons (e.g., roof slope), green roofs often require even lower amounts of plant substrate, particularly with regard to layer height or similar.

[0010] In particular, only limited quantities of usable substrate are often available, as green roofs should not be too heavy, or the weight gain when absorbing liquid is limited to prevent damage to the underlying roof structure. Furthermore, due to the often (large) surface area of ​​green roofs, there is a tendency to dry out even more quickly than top crops.

[0011] In general, but especially for the cultivation of plants in pots or in the form of green roofs, there is a great need for options that contribute to easier moisture and nutrient management for the plant cultures.

[0012] A number of approaches are known from the state of the art, for example in the form of so-called soil improvers, water-storing layer systems or substrates or substrate additives made of polymer absorbers and plant residues.

[0013] Regarding the state-of-the-art agents in this regard, the use of superabsorbent polymers in particular is often described. However, these state-of-the-art agents often lack the desired efficiency, particularly with regard to their often inadequate plant growth-promoting effect. Furthermore, sufficient biocompatibility or compatibility with application in pot cultures or roof coverings, with the associated special requirements, is not always guaranteed.

[0014] DE 20 2007 016 362 U1 describes a soil improver for increasing the water absorption and / or water storage capacity of soils, wherein the soil improver is to comprise a water-swellable matrix material based on at least one organic polymer, wherein inorganic solid particles are added to the matrix material. Furthermore, the organic polymer of the water-swellable matrix material comprises carbohydrate-based structural units. In other words, an inorganic-organic composite or hybrid material which is modified with a carbohydrate-based structural unit is described. Although the agent has a certain water storage capacity, the biodegradability of the material precludes its long-term use as a moisture and / or nutrient regulator for plants in pot culture systems or green roofs. The very fine pore structure of the hybrid material orThe sometimes limited stability makes it difficult for plants to absorb water from the material.

[0015] EP 1 035 092 A2 also describes a storable, transportable, and potentially recyclable mixture containing plant residues and at least one water and / or aqueous liquid-absorbing polymer. The mixture can be used similarly to a fertilizer, but sustainable moisture or nutrient management for the treated plants is not always guaranteed.

[0016] Overall, there is a great need in the state of the art for agents that enable sustainable, long-lasting, and reliable moisture and nutrient management for plant cultures, particularly with regard to pot cultures and green roofs, etc. There is also a need for agents that exhibit both excellent storage properties and optimized release properties for supplying plants with moisture and nutrients, advantageously over a long period of time.

[0017] Against the background of the previously described prior art, the present invention is therefore based on the object of providing a special moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent for plants, preferably for planting systems, plant boxes, plant pots or the like, in particular moisture regulating agents, wherein the previously described disadvantages of the prior art are to be at least largely avoided or at least mitigated.

[0018] In this regard, in particular, a moisture and / or nutrient regulator should be provided which ensures sustainable, long-lasting and reliable moisture and nutrient management for plant crops, in which water storage and water release are optimized.

[0019] In particular, the present invention is based on the object of providing such a moisture and / or nutrient regulator for plants, preferably for planting systems, plant boxes, plant pots or the like, in particular a moisture regulator for use together with and / or in combination with a planting substrate, which is specifically optimized for use in planting systems such as green roofs.

[0020] In a completely surprising way, the applicant has now found that on the basis of the inventive concept underlying the present invention - in particular on the basis of a moisture and / or nutrient regulator for plants, preferably for planting systems, plant boxes, plant pots or the like, in particular moisture and / or nutrient regulator, preferably moisture and nutrient regulator, for use together with and / or in combination with a plant substrate, wherein the moisture and / or nutrient regulator comprises, in a targeted and purposeful manner, a mixture of at least two storage agents that are different from one another and reversibly store moisture, in particular water, and / or nutrients and release them as needed, wherein the storage agents that are different from one another contain moisture, in particular water, with different retention,in particular with different retention times, and / or release them with different release times, in particular with different release times - in particular pot cultures, preferably green roofs, can be supplied with moisture and nutrients reliably and in an ideal or optimized manner with much less effort than conventional methods and over a long period of time.

[0021] To solve the problem described above, the present invention thus proposes - according to a first aspect of the present invention - a moisture and / or nutrient regulator, in particular for plants, preferably for planting systems, plant boxes, plant pots or the like, preferably for use as a planting substrate and / or together with and / or in combination with at least one other planting substrate, according to claim 1. Advantageous further developments and refinements of this aspect of the invention are the subject of the relevant subclaims.

[0022] A further subject matter of the present invention - according to a second or third or fourth or fifth aspect of the present invention - is the use of a moisture and / or nutrient regulator according to the present invention for cultivating plants, in particular for cultivating useful plants and / or ornamental plants, preferably for cultivating green roofs (green roof plants), or for promoting the growth of plants, in particular useful plants and / or ornamental plants, preferably green roofs, or for regulating and / or managing the moisture and nutrient level (moisture and nutrient content or supply) in a planting system, plant box, plant pot or the like, and as or for a planting substrate and / or in combination with a planting substrate.

[0023] Yet another subject matter of the present invention—according to a sixth aspect of the present invention—is a kit comprising a moisture and / or nutrient regulator for plants, preferably for planting systems, plant boxes, plant pots, or the like, according to the present invention, as well as at least one additional plant substrate. Advantageous further developments and refinements of this aspect of the invention are the subject matter of the relevant subclaims.

[0024] Furthermore, the subject of the present invention - according to a seventh aspect of the present invention - is a plant box, in particular a green roof plant box, which comprises a moisture and / or nutrient regulator for plants according to the present invention or a kit according to the present invention.

[0025] Finally, the subject of the present invention - according to an eighth aspect of the present invention - is a planting system, in particular a green roof system, comprising a moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent according to the invention or comprising a kit according to the invention or comprising a plurality of plant boxes according to the invention.

[0026] It goes without saying that embodiments, forms of embodiment, advantages and the like which are listed below only for one aspect of the invention for the purpose of avoiding repetition, naturally also apply accordingly to the other aspects of the invention without this requiring separate mention.

[0027] Furthermore, it goes without saying that the following specifications of values, numbers, and ranges are not to be understood as limiting; it is self-evident to the person skilled in the art that, depending on the individual case or application, deviations from the specified range or specifications may occur without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0028] In addition, all values ​​or parameters or the like mentioned below can generally be determined using standardized or explicitly specified determination procedures or using determination methods that are familiar to a person skilled in the art.

[0029] Furthermore, with all relative or percentage quantities, particularly those based on weight, mentioned below, it should be noted that these quantities must be selected or combined by the person skilled in the art with regard to the reference system used (e.g., dosage form) in such a way that the total – if necessary, including other components or ingredients or additives or constituents, in particular as defined below – always amounts to 100% or 100% by weight. However, this is self-evident to the person skilled in the art.

[0030] Furthermore, for the description of the present invention, the features of the present invention cited in connection with the specific configurations, embodiments, advantages, examples, or the like are also deemed to be disclosed in their combination. Thus, higher-level combinations of individual or multiple features cited for respective configurations, embodiments, application examples, or the like are also deemed to be disclosed.

[0031] In particular, for the features characterizing the invention, all possible combinations of these features are deemed to be disclosed, whereby embodiments of comparable or corresponding preference of the various features in their combination are preferred (e.g. quantities or quantity ranges of the relevant parameters of the same preference or the like).

[0032] In particular, it also applies that for the information listed below concerning the various parameters of the method according to the invention or the like, which has the same preference or the same level of preference, the respective combinations concerning the various parameters with corresponding preference or preference are also disclosed. Likewise, all other combinations (i.e., combinations based on different preferences or different levels of preference) are also disclosed.

[0033] Having said that, the present invention will now be explained in detail below:

[0034] The subject of the present invention - according to a first aspect of the present invention - is a moisture and / or nutrient regulator, in particular for plants, preferably for planting systems, plant boxes, plant pots or the like, preferably for use as a planting substrate and / or together with and / or in combination with at least one further planting substrate, wherein the moisture and / or nutrient regulator (1) comprises a mixture of at least two storage agents (A, B) that are different from one another and that reversibly store moisture, in particular water, and / or nutrients and release them as needed, wherein the storage agents (A, B) that are different from one another store moisture, in particular water, with different retention, in particular with different retention periods (retention time periods), and / or with different release,in particular different release durations (release period), wherein the moisture and / or nutrient regulator and / or the mixture comprises:,

[0035] (A) a first storage means (A), wherein the first storage means (A) comprises or at least essentially consists of at least one moisture-swellable, in particular water-swellable, organic-based polymer material; and

[0036] (B) a second storage means (B), wherein the second storage means (B) comprises or at least essentially consists of at least one moisture-storing, in particular water-storing, inorganic-based storage material, wherein the inorganic-based storage material is selected from the group of (i) clay minerals,

[0037] (ii) moisture-storing, in particular water-storing, minerals other than clay minerals, preferably in the form of inorganic solid particles of porous mineral glasses and / or rocks, in particular mineral glass and / or rock flours, preferably mineral glasses and / or rocks in finely ground form,

[0038] (iii) moisture-storing, in particular water-storing, coal-based storage materials from the group of activated carbon, charcoal and hard coal, as well as combinations and mixtures thereof; in particular wherein in the moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent (1) and / or in the mixture, the first storage agent (A) and the second storage agent (B) are distributed alongside one another and / or distributed unconnected and / or distributed loosely, preferably in each case in a homogeneous distribution, and / or in particular wherein in the moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent (1) and / or in the mixture, the first storage agent (A) and the second storage agent (B) are present in loose bulk, preferably in a homogeneous distribution; preferably wherein the second storage agent (B), in particular in the moisture, in particular water, storing state, forms a dimensionally stable matrix for the first storage agent (A) and / or around the first storage agent (A).

[0039] The present invention provides an effective agent for cultivating and promoting the growth of plants, which is particularly ideal for pot cultures, for example planting systems, plant boxes, plant pots or the like, or for green roofs. The agent according to the invention reliably ensures a continuous supply of water to plants over a comparatively long period of time, in particular during dry or hot periods, while the advantageous composition also ensures that the plants to be cultivated are prevented from being oversupplied, e.g. as a result of heavy rainfall due to the formation of waterlogging. Furthermore, the moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent according to the invention is designed in such a way that it also makes a valuable contribution to long-lasting and, in particular, even moisture or nutrient regulation.Can provide nutrients to plants. The combination based on two different storage agents that reversibly store moisture, in particular water, and / or nutrients and release them as needed advantageously enables stored amounts of moisture to be released in a staggered or controlled manner, so to speak, and in a coordinated manner. In particular, the moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent according to the invention is designed such that the second storage agent (B) ensures the short-term supply of moisture to plants, while the first storage agent (A) advantageously ensures the medium and long-term supply of moisture or water to plants. In this way, a reliable supply of moisture to the cultivated plants can be ensured even during prolonged dry periods and / or in phases of high heat stress.

[0040] In particular, the moisture and / or nutrient regulator according to the invention is advantageously characterized by a balanced capillarity that is specifically tailored to the cultivation of plants under extreme cultivation conditions or in an environment that is challenging for cultivation, e.g. with regard to unprotected exposure to weather and solar radiation on a roof, wherein the very special capillarity of the overall system is achieved in particular due to the advantageous mixing and matching of the two storage agents with mutually different moisture retention (moisture retention capacity), in particular mutually different retention periods (retention time period), or with mutually different moisture release (moisture release capacity), in particular mutually different release periods (release time period).

[0041] At the same time, the moisture and / or nutrient regulator or the mixture based on the first storage agent (A) and the second storage agent (B) is designed such that, despite a high moisture absorption capacity of the two storage agents or the moisture and / or nutrient regulator or the mixture as a whole, no waterlogging can occur in the moisture and / or nutrient regulator or the plant substrate as such. This is because the moisture and / or nutrient regulator according to the invention is advantageously designed such that, even in the moisture-storing state, it is or remains sufficiently porous so that excess water can be efficiently drained or carried away.Against this background, the moisture and / or nutrient regulator according to the invention is also advantageously characterized by good drainage properties and allows effective moisture management, in particular when used in pot cultures, ie planting systems, plant boxes, plant pots or the like, preferably in the form of or suitable for green roofs.

[0042] The specially adapted porosity of the moisture and / or nutrient regulator according to the invention also advantageously contributes to good aeration of the plant roots, which is also crucial for the overall continuous and optimal growth of plants.

[0043] Furthermore, the moisture and / or nutrient regulator according to the invention advantageously exhibits good rewettability properties, particularly after long dry periods and, where appropriate, in combination with sudden heavy rainfall. These properties can be attributed—without wishing to be limited to or relying on this theory—to the fact that the moisture and / or nutrient regulator according to the invention, in particular the two storage agents (A) and (B) used in this regard, have a defined proportion of fine pores that can bind moisture so well that complete drying out of the material can generally be avoided. Advantageously, therefore, a certain proportion of residual moisture always remains in the moisture and / or nutrient regulator according to the invention, so that rewettability as well as reabsorption of moisture is generally facilitated.

[0044] The moisture and / or nutrient regulator according to the invention is also characterized by an advantageous inherent stability, which is advantageous for the cultivation of plants and can provide the plants with additional necessary support in plant culture.

[0045] In addition, the moisture and / or nutrient regulator according to the invention uses storage agents which advantageously also enable a long-term and sufficient supply of plants with nutrients by using storage agents that are inherently rich in nutrients or minerals. On this basis, within the scope of the present invention, in particular with regard to the use of the moisture and / or nutrient regulator according to the invention, it is advantageous to dispense with substrates which are themselves particularly or excessively rich in nutrients. In particular, it is possible to use the moisture and / or nutrient regulator according to the invention itself as a substrate or plant substrate or to use it as an aid in hydroponic plant cultures. In this sense, when using the moisture and / or nutrient regulator according to the invention, it is advantageous, for example, toadditional fertilizers and time-consuming re-fertilization of crops can be avoided.

[0046] Overall, the present invention, with the moisture and / or nutrient regulator according to the invention, provides an effective and efficient solution for the facilitated and sustainable or long-lasting moisture and nutrient supply of plants, in particular in pot cultures, preferably those cultivated in a challenging environment, such as unprotected exposure to weather and solar radiation on a roof.

[0047] As already explained above, in order to achieve the above-described problem, a moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent is proposed, in particular for plants, preferably for planting systems, plant boxes, plant pots or the like, preferably for use as a planting substrate and / or together with and / or in combination with at least one further planting substrate, wherein the moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent (1) comprises a mixture of at least two storage agents (A, B) that are different from one another and reversibly store moisture, in particular water, and / or nutrients and release them as needed, wherein the storage agents (A, B) that are different from one another store moisture, in particular water, with different retention, in particular with different retention periods (retention time periods), and / or with different release,in particular different release durations (release duration), wherein the moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent (1) and / or the mixture comprises: (A) a first storage agent (A), wherein the first storage agent (A) comprises or at least essentially consists of at least one moisture-swellable, in particular water-swellable, organic-based polymer material; and,

[0048] (B) a second storage means (B), wherein the second storage means (B) comprises or at least essentially consists of at least one moisture-storing, in particular water-storing, inorganic-based storage material, wherein the inorganic-based storage material is selected from the group of

[0049] (i) clay minerals,

[0050] (ii) moisture-storing, in particular water-storing, minerals other than clay minerals, preferably in the form of inorganic solid particles of porous mineral glasses and / or rocks, in particular mineral glass and / or rock flours, preferably mineral glasses and / or rocks in finely ground form,

[0051] (iii) moisture-storing, in particular water-storing, coal-based storage materials from the group of activated carbon, charcoal and hard coal, as well as combinations and mixtures thereof; in particular wherein in the moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent (1) and / or in the mixture, the first storage agent (A) and the second storage agent (B) are distributed next to one another and / or distributed unconnected and / or distributed loosely, preferably in each case in a homogeneous distribution, and / or in particular wherein in the moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent and / or in the mixture, the first storage agent (A) and the second storage agent (B) are present in bulk, preferably in a homogeneous distribution;preferably wherein the second storage means (B), in particular in the moisture, in particular water, storing state, forms a dimensionally stable matrix for the first storage means (A) and / or around the first storage means (A);

[0052] In the context of the present invention, "organic-based polymer materials" are understood to mean, in particular, polymers composed of monomers consisting essentially of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and / or phosphorus, whereby these polymers may also comprise other elements.

[0053] For the purposes of the present invention, "minerals" generally refer to substances that arise or are formed through natural, particularly geological, processes. Minerals can be crystalline, amorphous, or metamict.

[0054] In the context of the present invention, the term "clay mineral" refers to minerals that are, in particular, at least essentially, predominantly fine-grained (grain size < 2 pm) and / or minerals that belong to the phyllosilicates, i.e., minerals that comprise a layered crystal structure of silicon and oxygen, as well as hydrogen, and usually magnesium and aluminum. Clay minerals generally form through the weathering of other minerals or glasses, or they form anew from supersaturated soil solutions or hydrothermal waters.

[0055] The term "moisture-free state" or "dry weight" as used in the invention refers in particular to the state dried to constant weight (at 40°C and under atmospheric pressure or 1,013.25 hPa (1.01325 bar)) of the respective agent, in particular the first storage agent (A) or the second storage agent (B) or the moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent.

[0056] "Retention", in particular "retention period" ("retention period"), refers in the context of the present invention in particular to the property or the relevant degree with which the moisture and / or nutrient regulator according to the invention, in particular its components or on the basis of the storage agents (A) and (B), can retain water, in particular for example or in an unrestricted manner due to absorption or adsorption processes or also due to the filtering effect in particular of the components of the moisture and / or nutrient regulator according to the invention.

[0057] Furthermore, "release" in the context of the present invention means in particular the property or in particular release duration (release period) the relevant degree with which the moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent according to the invention, in particular its constituents or based on the storage agents (A) and (B), can release water, in particular for example due to desorption processes or also due to interactions with the root system of plants or the like.

[0058] A "shape-stable matrix" in the context of the present invention means that in particular the second storage agent (B) in the water-added state forms a suspension which is suitable for stabilizing the storage agent (A), in particular so that the structural integrity of the moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent according to the invention is maintained.

[0059] The term "planting systems," as used in the context of the present invention, is to be understood very broadly and refers in particular to any devices for receiving the moisture and / or nutrient regulator according to the invention or corresponding planting substrates, as well as optionally additional planting substrates, and in particular also for cultivating corresponding plants, plant seeds, seedlings, or the like. In this context, the terms "plant boxes" or "plant pots" refer to a specific design of the planting system while maintaining its functionality.

[0060] As far as the nature of the storage means (A) and (B) is concerned, these can generally be very diverse or, so to speak, tailor-made in view of the respective application or usage background.

[0061] In the context of the present invention, it has proven advantageous if the first storage means (A) is particulate or if the first storage means (A) is in the form of particles.

[0062] The particle size of the first storage medium (A) in the moisture-free state is preferably at least 0.1 mm, in particular at least 0.15 mm, preferably at least 0.2 mm, preferably at least 0.5 mm, preferably with at least 90%, preferably at least 95%, preferably at least 99% of the particles of the first storage medium being within the aforementioned value ranges. Furthermore, it has proven useful if the particle size of the first storage medium (A) in the moisture-free state is at most 5.0 mm, in particular at most 4.5 mm, preferably at most 4.0 mm, preferably at most 3.0 mm, preferably with at least 90%, preferably at least 95%, preferably at least 99% of the particles of the first storage medium being within the aforementioned value ranges.

[0063] Accordingly, particularly good results are obtained when the particle size of the first storage medium (A) in the moisture-free state is in a range from 0.1 mm to 5.0 mm, in particular in a range from 0.15 mm to 4.5 mm, preferably in a range from 0.2 mm to 4.0 mm, more preferably in a range from 0.5 mm to 3.0 mm, preferably with at least 90%, preferably at least 95%, and more preferably at least 99% of the particles of the first storage medium (A) lying within the aforementioned value ranges. The particle size is determined in particular by means of laser diffraction, preferably in accordance with DIN ISO 13320, and / or by means of sieve analysis, in particular dry sieving, preferably in accordance with DIN 66165, preferably by means of laser diffraction, preferably in accordance with DIN ISO 13320.

[0064] Likewise, it has proven useful within the scope of the present invention with regard to the second storage means (B) if it is particulate or if the second storage means (B) is in the form of particles.

[0065] Preferably, the particle size of the second storage medium (B) in the moisture-free state is at least 0.5 pm, in particular at least 1.0 pm, preferably at least 1.75 pm, preferably at least 2.5 pm, preferably wherein at least 90%, preferably at least 95%, preferably at least 99% of the particles of the second storage medium (B) lie within the aforementioned value ranges.

[0066] Equally preferably, the particle size of the second storage agent (B) in the moisture-free state may also be at most 200 pm, in particular at most 100 pm, preferably at most 50 pm, preferably at most 25 pm, preferably wherein at least 90%, preferably at least 95%, preferably at least 99% of the particles of the second storage agent (B) lie within the aforementioned value ranges.Correspondingly good results are obtained within the scope of the present invention when the particle size of the second storage medium (B) in the moisture-free state is in a range from 0.5 pm to 200 pm, in particular in a range from 1.0 pm to 100 pm, preferably in a range from 1.75 pm to 50 pm, more preferably in a range from 2.5 pm to 25 pm, preferably with at least 90%, preferably at least 95%, more preferably at least 99% of the particles of the second storage medium (B) lying within the aforementioned value ranges. In particular, it is again provided that the particle size is determined by means of laser diffraction, preferably in accordance with DIN ISO 13320, and / or by means of sieve analysis, in particular dry sieving, preferably in accordance with DIN 66165, preferably by means of laser diffraction, preferably in accordance with DIN ISO 13320.

[0067] Advantageously, the first storage agent (A) within the scope of the present invention has a somewhat coarser or larger particle size distribution or slightly larger particle size than the second storage agent (B). This contributes in particular to the realization of a comparatively loose or sufficiently porous or moisture- and air-permeable composition of the moisture and / or nutrient regulator according to the invention.

[0068] Furthermore, in the context of the present invention, the second storage agent (B) is advantageously formed from comparatively small particles or particles with relatively small particle sizes, so that a good space filling and interaction, in particular with the roots of plants to be cultivated which are surrounded by or in contact with the moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent according to the invention, can be achieved.

[0069] The combination of the first storage agent (A) and the second storage agent (B) with the aforementioned particle sizes advantageously results in a mixture that is ideally matched with regard to the particle size distribution or absolute particle sizes of the storage agents, on the one hand with regard to the interaction with the plant root system and on the other hand with regard to moisture and nutrient management, particularly in pot culture. Specifically, the moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent according to the invention or the mixture of the first storage agent (A) and the second storage agent (B) can efficiently prevent the formation of waterlogging, since the different particle sizes ensure sufficient porosity in the moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent according to the invention so that the effective drainage of excess water is possible.At the same time, due to the different particle sizes between the first storage medium (A) and the second storage medium (B), an advantageous sieving effect is achieved, which allows moisture to flow comparatively slowly through the moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent according to the invention. Unhindered seepage or passage of moisture through the moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent according to the invention is thus excluded. Rather, moisture, in particular water, is efficiently retained due to the particle sizes of the first storage medium (A) and the second storage medium (B) preferably provided according to the invention, and accordingly, a water retention advantageous with regard to plant cultivation is achieved.

[0070] Accordingly, it has proven advantageous according to the invention if the first storage agent (A), in particular the particles of the first storage agent (A), and the second storage agent (B), in particular the particles of the second storage agent (B), in the moisture-free state, are present in a size ratio, in particular particle size ratio, in a range from 1:2 to 10,000:1, in particular in a range from 3:1 to 4,500:1, preferably in a range from 10:1 to 2,500:1, preferably in a range from 40:1 to 1,000:1, to one another.

[0071] With particle or particle size ratios in the above-mentioned range, the above-described advantages are realized in a particularly efficient manner.

[0072] Furthermore, with regard to the ability of the storage medium to absorb moisture, it has proven advantageous within the scope of the present invention if the first storage medium (A) absorbs and / or stores and / or incorporates moisture, in particular water, with an increase in volume, preferably with swelling, in particular with adsorption and / or absorption at least substantially into the interior of the storage medium. It is equally preferred if the first storage medium (A) swells in the presence of moisture, in particular water, preferably as a result of adsorption and / or absorption with the inclusion of moisture at least substantially into the interior of the storage medium, and / or absorbs moisture, in particular water, with an increase in volume. According to the invention, it is preferred if the first storage medium (A) has a moisture absorption capacity, in particular water absorption capacity, of at least 100 vol.%, in particular at least 200 vol.-%, preferably at least 250 vol.%, preferably at least 275 vol.%, based on the volume of the storage medium in the moisture-free state; and / or if the first storage medium (A) has a moisture absorption capacity, in particular water absorption capacity, of at most 500 vol.%, in particular at most 400 vol.%, preferably at most 350 vol.%, preferably at most 300 vol.%, based on the volume of the storage medium in the moisture-free state.

[0073] Accordingly, particularly good results are obtained according to the invention if the first storage medium (A) has a moisture absorption capacity, in particular water absorption capacity, in a range from 100 vol.% to 500 vol.%, in particular in a range from 200 vol.% to 400 vol.%, preferably in a range from 250 vol.% to 350 vol.%, preferably in a range from 275 vol.% to 300 vol.%, based on the volume of the storage medium in the moisture-free state. The moisture absorption capacity is preferably determined in accordance with the current version of DIN EN 1925 and with distilled water as the reference humidity.

[0074] Furthermore, with regard to the second storage means (B) within the scope of the present invention, it has proven advantageous if the second storage means absorbs moisture, in particular water, preferably as a result of adsorption and / or absorption of moisture, in particular water, on the surface and / or into the interior of the storage means, preferably on the surface and into the interior of the storage means.

[0075] Preferably, the second storage medium (B) has a moisture absorption capacity, in particular water absorption capacity, of at least 5 vol.%, in particular at least 10 vol.%, preferably at least 25 vol.%, more preferably at least 40 vol.%, preferably at least 45 vol.%, based on the volume of the storage medium in the moisture-free state.

[0076] In particular, the second storage medium (B) can have a moisture absorption capacity, in particular water absorption capacity, of at most 150 vol.%, in particular at most 100 vol.%, preferably at most 85 vol.%, preferably at most 70 vol.%, based on the volume of the storage medium in the moisture-free state.

[0077] Particularly good results are again obtained when the second storage medium (B) has a moisture absorption capacity, in particular water absorption capacity, in a range from 5 vol.% to 150 vol.%, in particular in a range from 10 vol.% to 150 vol.%, preferably in a range from 25 vol.% to 100 vol.%, more preferably in a range from 40 vol.% to 85 vol.%, more preferably in a range from 45 vol.% to 70 vol.%, based on the volume of the storage medium in the moisture-free state. For the second storage medium (B), the moisture absorption capacity is also preferably determined in accordance with the current version of DIN EN 1925 and with distilled water as the reference liquid.

[0078] Advantageously, within the scope of the present invention, the first storage agent (A) is characterized by a particularly high water absorption capacity, which in particular corresponds to a multiple of the volume of the first storage agent (A). In this way, within the scope of the present invention, the high water storage capacity associated with the moisture and / or nutrient regulating agents according to the invention can be efficiently achieved. For example, even sudden or heavy rainfall events can be effectively utilized, i.e., due to its high water absorption capacity, the first storage agent (A) can absorb relatively large quantities of water, in particular quickly, even with brief but intensive exposure to moisture, in particular water.

[0079] Likewise, the high moisture absorption capacity of the storage medium (A) also allows plants to be supplied with moisture over a comparatively longer period of time, so that dry periods, for example, can be better bridged.

[0080] Likewise, according to the invention, the second storage agent (B) is also characterized by a pronounced moisture or, in particular, water absorption capacity, which further complements the aforementioned advantages of the moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent according to the invention. It has proven advantageous according to the invention if the first storage agent (A) has a higher moisture absorption capacity, in particular water absorption capacity, than the second storage agent (B); in particular wherein the ratio of the moisture absorption capacity, in particular water absorption capacity, of the first storage agent (A) to the moisture absorption capacity, in particular water absorption capacity, of the second storage agent (B) is at least 5:1, in particular at least 10:1, preferably at least 15:1, more preferably at least 20:1, particularly preferably at least 25:1.

[0081] Particularly good results are obtained according to the invention when the ratio of the moisture absorption capacity, in particular water absorption capacity, of the first storage agent (A) to the moisture absorption capacity, in particular water absorption capacity, of the second storage agent (B) is in a range from 5:1 to 100:1, in particular in a range from 10:1 to 100:1, preferably in a range from 15:1 to 75:1, more preferably in a range from 20:1 to 60:1, particularly preferably in a range from 25:1 to 50:1.

[0082] According to the invention, the combination of two storage media with different moisture absorption capacities, in particular water absorption capacities, is therefore preferably provided. In this way, a moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent with advantageously designed moisture absorption properties can be provided, which in particular has a high capacity for absorbing moisture and can thus realize a longer supply of water to plants without, however, absorbing so much moisture or water that an oversupply of moisture occurs.

[0083] In the context of the present invention, it has proven advantageous if the first storage means (A) has a higher moisture retention (moisture retention capacity), in particular water retention (water retention capacity), preferably based on the duration of the retention, compared to the second storage means (B).

[0084] It is particularly preferred if the ratio of the moisture retention, in particular water retention, of the first storage agent (A) to the moisture retention, in particular water retention, of the second storage agent (B) is at least 1.5:1, in particular 2:1, preferably at least 4:1, more preferably at least 7.5:1, preferably at least 15:1.

[0085] Likewise, it is preferred according to the invention if the first storage means (A) has a longer period of moisture release (moisture release capacity), in particular water release (water release capacity), compared to the second storage means (B).

[0086] It has proven useful if the ratio of the time duration of the moisture release, in particular water release, of the first storage means (A) to the time duration of the moisture release, in particular water release, of the second storage means (B) is at least 1.5:1, in particular at least 2.5:1, preferably at least 5:1, preferably at least 10:1.

[0087] The moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent according to the invention is therefore advantageously designed such that the first storage agent (A) stores or, in particular, retains moisture or, in particular, water to a greater extent than the second storage agent (B). In this respect, it is therefore advantageous within the scope of the present invention for the first storage agent (A) to store moisture or, in particular, water more effectively. Overall, the release of water or moisture to the plants can thus be efficiently regulated by the moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent according to the invention, in particular in such a way that, initially, an initial or first supply of water to plants takes place based on the second storage agent (B), followed by a predominantly medium- or long-term provision of water from the first storage agent (A).

[0088] Accordingly, within the scope of the present invention, it is preferably provided that the first storage means (A) is designed such that it can release moisture or water over a longer period of time compared to the second storage means (B). This is due, on the one hand, to the preferably provided higher moisture storage capacity or water storage capacity of the first storage means (A) compared to the second storage means (B). However, the preferably more pronounced water retention or moisture retention by the first storage means (A) compared to the second storage means (B) also contributes to this.

[0089] Within the scope of the present invention, a moisture and / or nutrient regulator can be provided which is advantageously characterized by a property profile which enables a continuous and long-lasting supply of moisture or water for plants. In particular, on the basis of the moisture and / or nutrient regulator according to the invention or the mixture based on a first storage agent (A) and a second storage agent (B) with the aforementioned advantageous properties, a synergistic interaction of the water storage and water release properties is achieved, so that on the basis of the moisture and / or nutrient regulator according to the invention, a provision of moisture or in particular water for plants can be realized to an extent that goes beyond the regular provision of moisture or water.Water based on the individual components. Within the scope of the present invention, this is advantageously expressed particularly in the duration of water supply as well as the possible amounts of water delivered to plants.

[0090] Within the scope of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it has proven useful if the first storage medium (A) has a smaller proportion of fine pores, in particular a smaller proportion of fine pores with an average pore diameter of at most 0.25 pm, compared to the second storage medium (B), in particular in the moisture, in particular water, storing state; in particular wherein the ratio of the number of fine pores, in particular fine pores with an average pore diameter of at most 0.25 pm, of the first storage medium (A) to the number of fine pores, in particular fine pores with an average pore diameter of at most 0.25 pm, of the second storage medium (B) is at most 1:1.1, in particular at most 1:1.25, preferably at most 1:1.5, preferably at most 1:2.

[0091] It has also proven useful according to the invention if the first storage medium (A) has a higher proportion of mesopores, in particular mesopores with an average pore diameter in a range from 2.5 pm to 4.5 pm, compared to the second storage medium (B), in particular in the moisture, in particular water, storing state, in particular wherein the ratio of the number of mesopores, in particular mesopores with an average pore diameter in a range from 2.5 pm to 4.5 pm, of the first storage medium (A) to the number of mesopores, in particular mesopores with an average pore diameter in a range from 2.5 pm to 4.5 pm, of the second storage medium (B) is at least 1.1:1, in particular at least 1.25:1, preferably at least 1.5:1, preferably at least 2:1.

[0092] On the basis of the pore distribution, as preferably provided within the scope of the present invention, it can be advantageously ensured, in particular on the basis of the first storage medium (A), which has a relatively low proportion of fine pores and a relatively high proportion of mesopores, that moisture or water is made available to the majority of plants, in particular in such a way that plants can efficiently remove the water from the pores, in particular of the first storage medium (A), via their roots. In particular, the mesopores of the first storage medium (A) are crucial for this, the pore size of which is specifically adjusted so that moisture or water bound in the pores adheres to the pores, i.e. does not run out of them and seep away, and at the same time can be removed from the pores by plants via their roots.

[0093] Furthermore, within the scope of the present invention, it is advantageous that the second storage agent (B) in particular has a higher proportion of fine pores. In this way, it can be achieved that the moisture and / or nutrient regulator according to the invention always contains a certain small proportion of residual water in these fine pores. This is particularly advantageous with regard to the rewettability of the moisture and / or nutrient regulator according to the invention, since a certain basic amount of moisture can positively influence the (re-)absorption capacity or (re-)wettability, especially upon initial absorption of moisture or after a prolonged dry period.

[0094] Advantageously, both the first and the second storage means also have a certain proportion of wide or narrow coarse pores, which, on the one hand, also provide water available to plants, but bind it less tightly, thus contributing to the efficient prevention of the storage of excessive moisture and, consequently, the formation of waterlogging. Overall, within the scope of the present invention, an efficient and reliable supply of moisture, particularly in the form of water, to plants based on the moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent according to the invention can be ensured, while simultaneously ensuring that the plants are not oversupplied with moisture.

[0095] According to the invention, it is preferred if the first storage agent (A) forms a hydrogel by absorbing moisture, in particular water.

[0096] Likewise, it has proven useful within the scope of the present invention if the second storage agent (B), in particular minerals from the group of clay minerals comprised in the storage agent, forms (form) a thixotropic suspension upon absorption of moisture, in particular water, in particular wherein the thixotropic suspension has a shape-stabilizing effect and / or is dimensionally stable.

[0097] The second storage agent (B) thus advantageously contributes to the integral structural stabilization of the moisture and / or nutrient regulator according to the invention. The moisture and / or nutrient regulator according to the invention is thus imparted, in particular on the basis of the second storage agent (B), with integral dimensional stability, which, for example, at least impedes, if not prevents, the moisture and / or nutrient regulator according to the invention from running or being washed away unhindered. While the first storage agent (A) advantageously assumes the predominant storage of moisture or water, particularly advantageously in the form of a hydrogel and thus efficiently and plant-available.

[0098] With regard to the composition of the moisture and / or nutrient regulator according to the invention, it is preferred within the scope of the present invention if the moisture and / or nutrient regulator and / or the mixture contains a deficit of the first storage agent (A) compared to the second storage agent (B).

[0099] It is preferably provided that the moisture and / or nutrient regulator and / or the mixture contains the first storage agent (A) in amounts in a range of 5 wt.% to 60 wt.%, in particular in a range of 7.5 wt.% to 45 wt.%, preferably in a range of 10 wt.% to 35 wt.%, preferably in a range of 12.5 wt.% to 30 wt.%, based on the moisture and / or nutrient regulator (dry weight) and / or the mixture (dry weight), and / or that the moisture and / or nutrient regulator and / or the mixture contains the second storage agent (B) in amounts in a range of 5 wt.% to 95 wt.%, in particular in a range of 15 wt.% to 90 wt.%, preferably in a range of 25 wt.% to 85 wt.%, preferably in a range of 32.5 wt.% to 80 wt.%, based on the moisture and / or nutrient regulator (dry weight) and / or the mixture (dry weight).

[0100] Likewise, within the scope of the present invention, it is preferred if the moisture and / or nutrient regulator and / or the mixture contains an excess, in particular a weight-related excess and / or volume-related excess, preferably a weight-related excess, of the second storage agent (B) in comparison to the first storage agent (A), for which purpose it is in turn preferably provided that the moisture and / or nutrient regulator and / or the mixture contains the second storage agent (B) in amounts in a range from 5 wt.% to 95 wt.%, in particular in a range from 15 wt.% to 90 wt.%, preferably in a range from 25 wt.% to 85 wt.%, preferably in a range from 32.5 wt.% to 80 wt.-%, based on the moisture and / or nutrient regulator (dry weight) and / or the mixture (dry weight), and / or that the moisture and / or nutrient regulator and / or the mixture contains the first storage agent (A) in amounts in a range from 5 wt.% to 60 wt.%, in particular in a range from 7.5 wt.% to 45 wt.%, preferably in a range from 10 wt.% to 35 wt.%, more preferably in a range from 12.5 wt.% to 30 wt.%, based on the moisture and / or nutrient regulator (dry weight) and / or the mixture (dry weight).

[0101] If, in the moisture and / or nutrient regulator according to the invention, the proportions of the first storage agent (A) and the second storage agent (B) in the moisture and / or nutrient regulator according to the invention and / or in the mixture which forms the basis of the moisture and / or nutrient regulator according to the invention are used as previously mentioned, the particular technical effects and advantages associated with the moisture and / or nutrient regulator according to the invention are realized in a particularly efficient manner.

[0102] Likewise, it has also proven useful within the scope of the present invention if the moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent and / or the mixture contains the first storage agent (A) and the second storage agent (B) in a ratio, in particular weight-related ratio and / or volume-related ratio, preferably weight-related ratio, in a range from 5:95 to 95:5, in particular in a range from 10:90 to 90:10, preferably in a range from 15:85 to 85:15, preferably in a range from 20:80 to 80:20.

[0103] As regards the nature of the first storage means (A), it has proven advantageous within the scope of the present invention if the organic-based polymer material of the first storage means (A) has a sponge-like and / or porous structure, in particular one having open-pore cavities.

[0104] Preferably, the structure of the polymer material is also hydrophilic and / or the surface of the structure of the polymer material is salt-like. Furthermore, it is preferred that the polymer material be based on at least one superabsorbent polymer (SAP).

[0105] Polymer materials with the aforementioned properties are advantageously characterized by high water absorption capacities, particularly due to their hydrophilic or salt-like nature, while they can also realize good water retention and sustained water release over a longer period of time.

[0106] Especially with regard to the superabsorbent polymer from which the first storage agent (A) can preferably be formed, it has proven advantageous if the superabsorbent polymer (SAP) is a homopolymer and / or copolymer of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid or their derivatives; and / or if the superabsorbent polymer (SAP) is a polyacrylate or polymethacrylate, in particular a crosslinked, preferably structurally crosslinked polyacrylate or polymethacrylate, preferably a particularly crosslinked, preferably structurally crosslinked polyacrylate.In this regard, it is particularly preferred if acrylic acid, methacrylic acid or derivatives thereof, or polyacrylate or polymethacrylate, preferably with sodium ions, potassium ions and / or ammonium ions, are partially neutralized, preferably wherein acrylic acid, methacrylic acid or derivatives thereof, or polyacrylate or polymethacrylate have a degree of neutralization in a range from 10 mol% to 95 mol%, in particular in a range from 50 mol% to 90 mol%, preferably in a range from 70 mol% to 95 mol%.

[0107] When superabsorbent polymers with the aforementioned properties are used, these polymers or storage agents (A) based thereon can advantageously enable or at least additionally support an optimal nutrient supply to plants, particularly when partially neutralized superabsorbent polymers comprising an increased proportion of potassium ions or ammonium ions are used. In this way, the moisture and / or nutrient regulator according to the invention can make an important contribution to the nutrient supply of plants and advantageously ensure that even if fertilization of the plants to be cultivated is lacking, they are adequately supplied with essential minerals.

[0108] With regard to the first storage means (A), it is further preferred that the organic-based polymer material of the first storage means (A) is biocompatible, in particular biodegradable, preferably degradable under the action of microorganisms.

[0109] Advantageously, the first storage agent (A) is biodegradable in the long term or over a comparatively long period of time, so that initially a high durability or long usability of the moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent according to the invention is ensured, and accordingly a replacement of the moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent is only required after a comparatively long period of use.

[0110] Furthermore, as regards the second storage means (B), it has proven advantageous if the second storage means (B) comprises or at least essentially consists of at least two moisture-storing, in particular water-storing, inorganic-based storage materials from the group of (i) clay minerals, (ii) moisture-storing, in particular water-storing, minerals other than clay minerals and (iii) moisture-storing, in particular water-storing, coal-based storage materials as well as mixtures or combinations thereof.

[0111] Particularly preferably, one of the moisture-storing, in particular water-storing, inorganic-based storage materials is selected from the group of (i) clay minerals.

[0112] If the second storage agent (B) is composed as described above, on the one hand an integral structural stabilization of the moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent according to the invention is achieved in a particularly advantageous manner, in particular in the moisture or water storing state, and on the other hand such a porosity of the moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent is advantageously set that on the one hand excessive amounts of moisture or water can be efficiently drained away and on the other hand a sufficient supply of the roots of plants with oxygen is ensured.

[0113] According to the invention, it is particularly preferred if the minerals comprised in the second storage agent (B) from the group of clay minerals (i) are selected from the group of two-layer clay minerals, three-layer clay minerals and four-layer clay minerals, in particular three-layer clay minerals and four-layer clay minerals; preferably three-layer clay minerals, as well as mixtures or combinations thereof; preferably from the group of illite, smectite, vermiculite, montmorillonite, bentonite, beidellite, nontronite, saponite and hectorite as well as mixtures or combinations thereof.

[0114] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the moisture-storing, in particular water-storing, minerals (ii) other than clay minerals contained in and / or by the second storage means (B) are selected from the group of aerogels, basalt, pumice, expanded perlite, expanded clay, calcite, carbonate rocks, diabase, dolomite, igneous rocks, feldspar, ground glass, glasses, mica, gneiss, greywacke, silicas, diatomaceous earth, silica, chalk, lava rocks, magnesite, metal oxide rocks, meteorite rocks, pyrite, perlite, quartz, quartz sand, slate, sedimentary rocks, silicate rocks, sulfate rocks, trass, tuffs, volcanic ash, volcanic rocks, xerogels and zeolites as well as mixtures or combinations thereof.

[0115] It has also proven particularly useful if the moisture-storing, in particular water-storing, carbon-based storage materials (iii) comprised in and / or by the second storage means (B) are selected from activated carbon, in particular granular activated carbon, preferably spherical activated carbon.

[0116] The aforementioned preferred minerals or carbon-based storage materials are characterized by excellent water absorption properties and high porosity. In addition, the materials have a favorable mineral or nutrient profile, which is particularly beneficial for supplying plants with essential minerals.

[0117] It has proven useful according to the invention if the second storage agent (B) contains minerals (i) and / or (ii), preferably clay minerals (i), in amounts of up to 100% by weight or in a range from 5% by weight to 99% by weight, in particular in a range from 25% by weight to 95% by weight, preferably in a range from 40% by weight to 92.5% by weight, preferably in a range from 50% by weight to 90% by weight, based on the second storage agent (B).

[0118] Furthermore, it has proven useful according to the invention if the second storage agent (B) contains moisture-storing, in particular water-storing, minerals (ii) in amounts in a range from 1 wt.% to 50 wt.%, in particular in a range from 2 wt.% to 40 wt.%, preferably in a range from 4 wt.% to 30 wt.%, preferably in a range from 5 wt.% to 25 wt.%, based on the second storage agent (B).

[0119] Likewise, within the scope of the present invention, it is preferably provided that the second storage agent (B) contains moisture-storing, in particular water-storing, carbon-based storage materials (iii) in amounts of up to 100 wt.% or in a range from 5 wt.% to 90 wt.%, in particular in a range from 25 wt.% to 80 wt.%, preferably in a range from 40 wt.% to 75 wt.%, more preferably in a range from 50 wt.% to 70 wt.%, based on the second storage agent (B). In the aforementioned quantity ranges, the advantageous effects in connection with the use of another moisture-storing, in particular water-storing, mineral become particularly apparent.

[0120] Within the scope of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it has proven advantageous if the moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent according to the invention and / or the mixture additionally comprises at least one moisture-buffering and / or pollutant-absorbing storage agent (C)-

[0121] In this regard, it has proven useful if the moisture-buffering and / or pollutant-absorbing storage agent (C) is selected from the group of activated carbon, charcoal, mineral-modified, acid-neutralizing copolymer granules and mineral-modified, base-neutralizing copolymer granules, in particular activated carbon and charcoal, as well as mixtures or combinations thereof.

[0122] Within the scope of the present invention, activated carbon or charcoal, in particular, can assume a dual function in the moisture and / or nutrient regulator according to the invention. This particularly underscores the advantages of adding activated carbon or charcoal to the moisture and / or nutrient regulator according to the invention.

[0123] According to the invention, good results are obtained if the moisture and / or nutrient regulator and / or the mixture contains the moisture-buffering and / or pollutant-absorbing storage agent (C) in amounts in a range from 0.01 wt.% to 20 wt.%, in particular in a range from 0.1 wt.% to 15 wt.%, preferably in a range from 0.5 wt.% to 10 wt.%, more preferably in a range from 1 wt.% to 5 wt.%, based on the moisture and / or nutrient regulator (dry weight) and / or the mixture (dry weight).

[0124] Furthermore, it is preferably provided according to the invention that the moisture and / or nutrient regulator or the mixture, in particular in the moisture, in particular water, and / or nutrient storing state, has a pH value in the at least substantially neutral range, in particular in a range from pH 5.0 to pH 8.5, preferably in a range from pH 6.0 to pH 8.0, preferably in a range from pH 6.5 to pH 7.75.

[0125] Furthermore, good results are obtained if the moisture and / or nutrient regulator or mixture also contains further additives selected from the group of plant-relevant nutrients, in particular phosphoric acid, uric acid, urea, guanidine and their plant-compatible salts, fertilizers, in particular in bound form, pesticides, insecticides, fungicides, microorganisms, fungi, algae, yeasts, boric acid, glycols, starch and starch derivatives, cellulose and cellulose derivatives as well as polysaccharides and mixtures or combinations thereof.

[0126] In this context, it has proven useful if the moisture and / or nutrient regulator or the mixture also contains further additives in amounts in a range of 0.001 wt.% to 15 wt.%, in particular in a range of 0.01 wt.% to 10 wt.%, preferably in a range of 0.1 wt.% to 5 wt.%, based on the moisture and / or nutrient regulator.

[0127] In addition, it has also proven to be effective if the moisture and / or nutrient regulator or mixture has a conductivity below 2,000 pS / cm, in particular below 1,500 pS / cm, preferably below 1,000 pS / cm.

[0128] Furthermore, it is preferably provided according to the invention if the moisture and / or nutrient regulator, when used with plants, in particular in a planting system, plant box, plant pot or the like, has a, in particular initial, residual moisture content of at least 0.5 wt.%, in particular at least 5 wt.%, preferably at least 10 wt.%, preferably at least 15 wt.%, and / or of at most 75 wt.%, in particular at most 50 wt.%, preferably at most 40 wt.%, preferably at most 35 wt.%, based in each case on the total weight of the residually moist moisture and / or nutrient regulator.For the aforementioned preferred application, it has therefore proven advantageous if the moisture and / or nutrient regulator has a certain residual moisture in the aforementioned range, since in this way the wettability and moisture reabsorption capacity of the moisture and / or nutrient regulator according to the invention is advantageously reliably provided or, in particular, even increased.

[0129] Furthermore, with regard to the application or use of the moisture and / or nutrient regulator according to the invention, it has proven useful within the scope of the present invention if the moisture and / or nutrient regulator is used in the application for use with plants, in particular in a planting system, plant box, plant pot or the like, in amounts in a range from 0.5 g to 80 g per plant, in particular in a range from 1 g to 40 g per plant, preferably in a range from 1.5 g to 20 g per plant, in particular based on seed plants or in particular based on smaller or in particular based on medium-sized seedlings of plants.

[0130] Likewise, good results are obtained within the scope of the present invention if the moisture and / or nutrient regulator is used for use with plants, in particular in a planting system, plant box, plant pot or the like, in amounts in a range of 0.25 g to 10 g per m 2 , in particular in a range of 0.5 g to 7.5 g per m 2 , preferably in a range of 1.0 g to 5.0 g per m 2 , based on the area or surface to be treated with the moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent.

[0131] When used in the aforementioned quantity ranges, a significantly positive effect on cultivation and, in particular, the promotion of plant growth, especially in pot cultures, is advantageously observed with comparatively small amounts of the moisture and / or nutrient regulator according to the invention. The advantageous properties of the moisture and / or nutrient regulator according to the invention are thus impressively evident even when used in comparatively small amounts.With regard to the present aspect of the invention, the further planting substrate can be selected from the group of rock wool, hydroponic mineral fiber wool, coconut fibers, coconut chips, wood fibers, wood shavings, peat, compost, rice husks, expanded clay, vermiculite, perlite, gravel, sand, pumice and basalt and mixtures or combinations thereof; or in particular from the group of rock wool, hydroponic mineral fiber wool, coconut fibers, coconut chips, rice husks, expanded clay, vermiculite and perlite and mixtures or combinations thereof; or preferably from the group of rock wool, coconut fibers, coconut chips, potting soil, sand and topsoil and mixtures or combinations thereof.

[0132] The subject matter of the present invention - according to a second aspect of the present invention - is the use of a moisture and / or nutrient regulator according to the present invention for the cultivation of plants, in particular for the cultivation of useful plants and / or ornamental plants, preferably for the cultivation of green roofs.

[0133] For further details on the above-described aspect of the invention, reference can also be made to the statements on the other aspects of the invention, whereby these statements apply equally to the present aspect of the invention.

[0134] Furthermore, the present invention - according to a third aspect of the present invention - relates to the use of a moisture and / or nutrient regulator according to the present invention for promoting the growth of plants, in particular of crops and / or ornamental plants, preferably of green roofs.

[0135] For further details on the above-described aspect of the invention, reference can also be made to the statements on the other aspects of the invention, whereby these statements apply equally to the present aspect of the invention.

[0136] Yet another object of the present invention - according to a fourth aspect of the present invention - is the use of a moisture and / or nutrient regulator according to the present invention for regulating and / or managing the moisture and nutrient levels in a planting system, plant box, plant pot or the like.

[0137] For the aforementioned uses according to the second, third and fourth aspects of the present invention, it is preferably provided that the planting system is a green roof system and / or that the planting box is a box for green roofs.

[0138] For further details on the above-described aspect of the invention, reference can also be made to the statements on the other aspects of the invention, whereby these statements apply equally to the present aspect of the invention.

[0139] A further subject matter of the present invention - according to a fifth aspect of the present invention - is the use of a moisture and / or nutrient regulator according to the present invention as a plant substrate and / or in combination with a plant substrate.

[0140] In this regard, it has proven particularly advantageous if the additional planting substrate is selected from the group of rock wool, hydroponic mineral fiber wool, coconut fibers, coconut chips, wood fibers, wood shavings, peat, compost, rice husks, expanded clay, vermiculite, perlite, gravel, sand, pumice and basalt, as well as mixtures or combinations thereof; or in particular from the group of rock wool, hydroponic mineral fiber wool, coconut fibers, coconut chips, rice husks, expanded clay, vermiculite and perlite, as well as mixtures or combinations thereof; or preferably from the group of rock wool, coconut fibers, coconut chips, potting soil, sand and topsoil, as well as mixtures or combinations thereof.

[0141] For further details on the above-described aspect of the invention, reference can also be made to the statements on the other aspects of the invention, whereby these statements apply equally to the present aspect of the invention.

[0142] Furthermore, the present invention - according to a sixth aspect of the present invention - also relates to a kit comprising a moisture and / or nutrient regulator according to the invention for plants, preferably for planting systems, plant boxes, plant pots or the like, according to the present invention, as well as a planting substrate.

[0143] It has proven advantageous for the kit according to the invention if the additional planting substrate is selected from the group of rock wool, hydroponic mineral fiber wool, coconut fibers, coconut chips, wood fibers, wood shavings, peat, compost, rice husks, expanded clay, vermiculite, perlite, gravel, sand, pumice and basalt as well as mixtures or combinations thereof; or in particular from the group of rock wool, hydroponic mineral fiber wool, coconut fibers, coconut chips, rice husks, expanded clay, vermiculite and perlite as well as mixtures or combinations thereof; or preferably from the group of rock wool, coconut fibers, coconut chips, potting soil, sand and topsoil as well as mixtures or combinations thereof.

[0144] In the context of the present invention, good results are obtained when the moisture and / or nutrient regulator is used in the application for use with plants, in particular in a planting system, plant box, plant pot or the like, in amounts in a range of 0.5 g to 20 g per liter of planting substrate, in particular in a range of 1 g to 10 g per liter of planting substrate, preferably in a range of 1.5 g to 5 g per liter of planting substrate.

[0145] For further details on the above-described aspect of the invention, reference can also be made to the statements on the other aspects of the invention, whereby these statements apply equally to the present aspect of the invention.

[0146] Furthermore, the present invention - according to a seventh aspect or an eighth aspect of the present invention - also finally relates to a plant box, in particular a green roof plant box, comprising a moisture and / or nutrient regulator for plants according to the present invention or comprising a kit according to the present invention, or also a planting system, in particular a green roof system, comprising a moisture and / or nutrient regulator according to the invention or comprising a kit according to the invention or comprising a plurality of plant boxes according to the invention. The present invention is explained in more detail below with reference to figures of preferred embodiments and with reference to preferred exemplary embodiments. In connection with the explanation of these preferred exemplary embodiments orEmbodiments of the present invention, which, however, are in no way limiting with respect to the present invention, also show further advantages, properties, aspects and features of the present invention.

[0147] Figures 1 and 2, including the following description of the figures and the following exemplary embodiments, serve only to illustrate the present invention, without, however, limiting the present invention thereto.

[0148] In the following description of the figures shown in Fig.1 and Fig.2, preferred embodiments according to the invention show

[0149] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of the moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent for plants according to the invention in a planting system;

[0150] Fig. 2 shows a course of the provision of plant-available moisture in the form of water based on the storage agents (A) and (B) alone or in combination with each other.

[0151] Figure 1 shows a planting system 2, in particular a planting box, planting pot or the like, preferably designed as a roof greening planting box of a roof greening system, containing the moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent 1 according to the invention.

[0152] The moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent 1 comprises a mixture of a first storage agent (A), wherein the first storage agent (A) comprises at least one moisture-swellable, in particular water-swellable, organic-based polymer material 5 or at least essentially consists thereof; and a second storage agent (B), wherein the second storage agent (B) comprises clay minerals 3 and moisture-storing, in particular water-storing, minerals 4a other than clay minerals, as well as moisture-storing, in particular water-storing, coal-based storage materials 4b. The first storage agent (A) and the second storage agent (B) are distributed alongside one another and / or unconnected and / or loosely distributed, preferably in each case in a homogeneous distribution.In the moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent 1 and / or in the mixture, the first storage agent (A) and the second storage agent (B) are present in bulk, preferably in a homogeneous distribution. Advantageously, the second storage agent (B), particularly in the moisture, especially water, storing state, forms a dimensionally stable matrix for the first storage agent (A) and / or around the first storage agent (A).

[0153] The organic-based polymer material 5 of the first storage medium (A) has a sponge-like and / or porous structure, in particular one with open-pore cavities. The structure of the polymer material 5 is advantageously hydrophilic and / or salt-like. Furthermore, the polymer material 5 is based on at least one superabsorbent polymer (SAP).

[0154] The clay minerals 3 comprised in and / or by the second storage means (B) are in particular selected from the group of two-layer clay minerals, three-layer clay minerals and four-layer clay minerals, in particular

[0155] Three-layer clay minerals and four-layer clay minerals; preferably

[0156] Three-layer clay minerals, as well as mixtures or combinations thereof; preferably from the group of illite, smectite, vermiculite, montmorillonite, bentonite, beidellite, nontronite, saponite and hectorite, as well as mixtures or combinations thereof.

[0157] The moisture-storing, in particular water-storing, minerals 4a different from clay minerals comprised in and / or by the second storage agent (B) are moreover selected in particular from the group of aerogels, basalt, pumice, expanded perlite, expanded clay, calcite, carbonate rocks, diabase, dolomite, igneous rocks, feldspar, ground glass, glasses, mica, gneiss, greywacke, silicas, diatomaceous earth, silica, chalk, lava rocks, magnesite, metal oxide rocks, meteorite rocks, pyrite, perlite, quartz, quartz sand, slate, sedimentary rocks, silicate rocks, sulfate rocks, trass, tuffs, volcanic ash, volcanic rocks, xerogels and zeolites as well as mixtures or combinations thereof.For the moisture-storage-capable, in particular water-storage-capable, carbon-based storage materials 4b comprised in and / or by the second storage means (B), it is provided in particular that these are selected from activated carbon, in particular granular activated carbon, preferably spherical activated carbon.

[0158] For the application shown, it is intended that the moisture and / or nutrient regulator is used in amounts in a range of 0.5 g to 80 g per plant, in particular in a range of 1 g to 40 g per plant, preferably in a range of 1.5 g to 20 g per plant, in particular based on seed plants and small and medium-sized seedlings of plants.

[0159] Similarly, the moisture and / or nutrient regulator can be used in the application for use with plants, in particular in a planting system, plant box, plant pot or the like, in amounts ranging from 0.25 g to 10 g per m 2 , in particular in a range of 0.5 g to 7.5 g per m 2 , preferably in a range of 1.0 g to 5.0 g per m 2 , based on the area or surface to be treated with the moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent.

[0160] For the moisture and / or nutrient regulator according to the invention, the associated advantages are effectively realized if the moisture and / or nutrient regulator and / or the mixture contains a deficit of the first storage agent (A) compared to the second storage agent (B).

[0161] In particular, it is provided that the moisture and / or nutrient regulator and / or the mixture contains the first storage agent (A) in amounts in a range of 5 wt.% to 60 wt.%, in particular in a range of 7.5 wt.% to 45 wt.%, preferably in a range of 10 wt.% to 35 wt.%, preferably in a range of 12.5 wt.% to 30 wt.%, based on the moisture and / or nutrient regulator (dry weight) and / or the mixture (dry weight), and / or that the moisture and / or nutrient regulator and / or the mixture contains the second storage agent (B) in amounts in a range of 5 wt.% to 95 wt.%, in particular in a range of 15 wt.% to 90 wt.%, preferably in a range of 25 wt.% to 85 wt.%, preferably in a range of 32.5 wt.% to 80 wt.%, based on the moisture and / or nutrient regulator (dry weight) and / or the mixture (dry weight).

[0162] Likewise, good results are obtained for the application shown if the moisture and / or nutrient regulator and / or the mixture contains an excess, in particular a weight-related excess and / or volume-related excess, preferably a weight-related excess, of the second storage agent (B) compared to the first storage agent (A). It is preferred here if the moisture and / or nutrient regulator and / or the mixture contains the second storage agent (B) in amounts in a range from 5 wt.% to 95 wt.%, in particular in a range from 15 wt.% to 90 wt.%, preferably in a range from 25 wt.% to 85 wt.%, preferably 32.5 wt.% to 80 wt.-%, based on the moisture and / or nutrient regulator (dry weight) and / or the mixture (dry weight), and / or if the moisture and / or nutrient regulator and / or the mixture contains the first storage agent (A) in amounts in a range from 5 wt.% to 60 wt.%, in particular in a range from 7.5 wt.% to 45 wt.%, preferably in a range from 10 wt.% to 35 wt.%, more preferably in a range from 12.5 wt.% to 30 wt.%, based on the moisture and / or nutrient regulator (dry weight) and / or the mixture (dry weight).

[0163] Further embodiments, modifications and variations as well as advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent and achievable to a person skilled in the art upon reading the description, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0164] The present invention is further illustrated by the following exemplary embodiments, without, however, limiting the present invention thereto. EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS:

[0165] The six different compositions for moisture and nutrient regulators shown in Table 1 are prepared with different bases regarding the use of storage agent A, storage agent B and storage agent C, and subsequently investigated with regard to the aspects of water uptake, water release and water supply properties for plants.

[0166] The storage material A comprises at least one moisture-swellable, in particular water-swellable, organic-based polymer material and is in this case a polymethyl methacrylate-based superabsorbent polymer (PMMA-based SAP).

[0167] The storage material B comprises at least one moisture-storing, in particular water-storing, inorganic-based storage material selected from the group of

[0168] (i) clay minerals,

[0169] (ii) moisture-storing, in particular water-storing, minerals other than clay minerals, preferably in the form of inorganic solid particles of porous mineral glasses and / or rocks, in particular mineral glass and / or rock flours, preferably mineral glasses and / or rocks in finely ground form,

[0170] (iii) moisture-storing, in particular water-storing, coal-based storage materials from the group of activated carbon, charcoal and hard coal, as well as combinations and mixtures thereof.

[0171] In the present examples, the storage material B(ii) is selected from tuff and / or pumice, while the storage material B(iii) in the present examples comprises or is granulated activated carbon.

[0172] The storage agent C comprises at least one moisture-buffering and / or pollutant-absorbing, particularly irreversibly absorbing, storage agent, which, in the context of the exemplary embodiments, is selected from mineral-modified, acid-neutralizing copolymer granules. Table 1: Overview of compositions investigated

[0173] Legend:

[0174] Compositions 1 to 6 are investigated with regard to the aspects of water absorption capacity, water release and provision of available water for plants in a pot culture.

[0175] For the storage medium A, it is provided that particles of the storage medium A with particle sizes (particle size) in the moisture-free state in the range of 0.5 mm to 3.0 mm are used, wherein at least 99% of the particles (particles) of the storage medium A are within the aforementioned value range; wherein the determination of the particle size (particle size) is carried out by means of laser diffraction, preferably in accordance with DIN ISO 13320, and / or by means of sieve analysis, in particular dry sieving, preferably in accordance with DIN 66165, preferably by means of laser diffraction, preferably in accordance with DIN ISO 13320.

[0176] For the materials (i), (ii) and (iii) of the storage medium B, it is provided that particles of the materials (i), (ii) and (iii) of the storage medium B with particle sizes in the moisture-free state in the range of 2.5 pm to 25 pm are used, wherein at least 99% of the particles of the storage medium B are within the aforementioned value range; and wherein the determination of the particle size is carried out by means of laser diffraction, preferably in accordance with DIN ISO 13320, and / or by means of sieve analysis, in particular dry sieving, preferably in accordance with DIN 66165, preferably by means of laser diffraction, preferably in accordance with DIN ISO 13320.

[0177] The particles of storage agent A and storage agent B are therefore advantageously present in a size ratio in the range of 40:1 to 1,000:1 to each other.

[0178] The moisture absorption capacity of the storage medium A is advantageously in a range from 200 vol.% to 400 vol.%, while the moisture absorption capacity of the storage medium B is advantageously in a range from 10 vol.% to 150 vol.%, or the ratio of the moisture absorption capacity, in particular water absorption capacity, of the storage medium A to the moisture absorption capacity, in particular water absorption capacity, of the storage medium B is advantageously in a range from 10:1 to 100:1.

[0179] 1. Investigation of the relative quality of the water absorption capacity

[0180] To test water absorption capacity, equal amounts of samples from compositions 1 to 6 (10 g each) are weighed and transferred into an expandable, breathable, and water-permeable microfiber bag. Five samples of each composition 1 to 6, for a total of 30 samples, are prepared.

[0181] Subsequently, a total of 30 samples of compositions 1 to 6 are immersed in 30 individual containers, each filled with 2,000 mL of distilled water, and allowed to swell. After specified intervals or at specified times (1 min, 5 min, 15 min, 30 min, 60 min), one sample of each of compositions 1 to 6 is removed from the corresponding container containing water, allowed to drain for 30 seconds, and then weighed. The dry and wet weight of the microfiber sachet is determined using the same method and subtracted from the weight of the composition samples.

[0182] The results of the weighing of a total of 30 samples of compositions 1 to 6 are evaluated as follows: The weight measurements for the individual samples at the respective time points are averaged, and the measured sample weights for the respective time points are related to the corresponding mean value, with the mean value being assigned a grade of "satisfactory." Comparatively higher water absorption values ​​are rated as good to very good, while comparatively lower water absorption values ​​are rated as sufficient to unsatisfactory. Accordingly, the relative quality of the water absorption of the compositions at the specified time points is shown in Table 3 below.

[0183] The evaluation of the relative quality of water absorption is carried out as follows (see Table 2):

[0184] Table 2: Evaluation criteria for the relative quality of water absorption capacity

[0185] Table 3: Evaluation of the relative quality of water absorption capacity

[0186] The study shows that the combination of storage agent A and storage agent B leads to improved water absorption behavior compared to the individual use of storage agents A or B. Higher proportions of storage agent A promote faster water absorption, while higher proportions of storage agent B have an advantageous effect on more continuous water absorption. Storage agent C also has a comparatively positive influence on water absorption behavior and at most causes a marginal reduction in water absorption capacity, although overall the composition remains advantageous in terms of water absorption compared to the individual use of storage agents A or B. Storage agent C can also ensure the targeted absorption of pollutants that have a negative impact on plant growth, for example from the environment or surroundings.from any harmful substances present in a (plant) substrate different from the moisture or nutrient regulator according to the invention, which is further beneficial to the growth conditions overall.

[0187] 2. Investigation of the relative quality of water delivery

[0188] The 30 samples of compositions 1 to 6, prepared as described above, were allowed to swell to constant weight. They were then allowed to drain for 60 seconds, and the thus prepared samples were placed in a climate chamber with an average temperature of 35 °C and a controllable average relative humidity of 65%.

[0189] Again, after specified time intervals or at specified times (30 min, 120 min, 5 h, 24 h, 72 h), a sample of each of the compositions 1 to 6 is removed from the climatic chamber and weighed. The relative percentage changes derived from the weight measurements are shown for the individual compositions 1 to 6 in Fig. 1.

[0190] The results of the weighing of the 30 samples of compositions 1 to 6 are also evaluated as follows: The weight measurements for the individual samples at the respective time points are averaged, and the measured sample weights for the respective time points are compared to the corresponding mean value, with the mean value being assigned a grade of "satisfactory." Comparatively lower water release values ​​are rated as good to very good, while comparatively high water release values ​​are rated as sufficient to unsatisfactory.

[0191] Table 5 thus shows the relative quality of water release of the compositions at the given times.

[0192] The evaluation of the relative quality of the water supply is carried out as follows (see Table 4): Table 4: Evaluation criteria for the relative quality of the water supply

[0193] Table 5: Evaluation of the relative quality of the water release rate

[0194] The study shows that the combination of storage agent A and storage agent B leads to improved water release behavior compared to the individual use of storage agents A or B. Higher proportions of storage agent A promote consistent water release over a longer period of time, while higher proportions of storage agent B have a beneficial effect on a comparatively more intensive water release initially. Overall, the compositions according to the invention (test numbers 4 to 6) are characterized by a defined and continuously controlled water release behavior, which also exhibits more stable and improved continuity.The targeted and purposeful addition of the storage agent C Storage agent C also has a comparatively positive effect on the water release behavior, whereby any pollutants can also be absorbed and thus neutralized, so to speak, as previously explained.

[0195] The excellent water release behavior of the compositions according to the invention is also evident in Figure 2. Figure 2 shows the relative percentage weight loss (y [%]) for compositions 1 to 6 compared to the measurement times t1 to t5, expressed as time units (x [u]). Compositions according to the invention therefore exhibit a more uniform water release behavior, even over a longer period of time. The combination of storage agents A and B clearly contributes to this, as is evident in comparison with compositions 1 to 3, in which a comparatively faster exhaustion of water release is observed, whereas the compositions according to the invention can still achieve this even after three days or 72 hours.

[0196] The compositions 4 to 6 according to the invention are therefore characterized overall by a significantly more advantageous property profile, both with regard to water absorption and water release, than comparison compositions which comprise only one of the storage agents A or B.

[0197] 3. Investigation of the relative quality of the provision of plant-available water

[0198] Finally, the prepared compositions 1 to 6 are investigated with regard to their application in plant cultivation.

[0199] For this purpose, six planting boxes are equipped with 20 even-aged thale cress seedlings (Arabidopsis thaliana). Compositions 1 to 6 are used in amounts of 10 g per seedling (based on the dry weight of compositions 1 to 6) in combination with a rock wool-based substrate. Planting box 1 is intended for composition 1, planting box 2 for composition 2, planting box 3 for composition 3, etc.

[0200] Before application, compositions 1 to 6 are first saturated with water and then allowed to dry for 15 hours under standard conditions, i.e., at 25 °C and 50% relative humidity. The resulting residual moisture compositions 1 to 6 are then added to the seedlings and the corresponding substrate, one planting box at a time.

[0201] At the beginning of the water supply behavior study of compositions 1 to 6, the seedlings are treated with 100 mL of water per seedling. No further watering is done afterward. The resulting planting boxes are transferred to a climate- and light-controlled growth chamber.

[0202] The condition of the seedlings is assessed at specified time intervals (after 1 day, 2 days, 5 days, 9 days, and 14 days) with regard to the apparent vigor of the seedlings for each of the compositions 1 to 6 on a scale of 1 to 10 points. The points awarded are then averaged, and the points awarded for each composition at the respective time points are again compared to the corresponding mean value. The mean value is assigned a grade of "satisfactory."

[0203] A relatively constant maintenance of vitality or growth is rated as good to very good, while a comparative loss of vitality is rated as sufficient to insufficient. Table 7 thus shows the relative quality of the provision of plant-available water by compositions 1 to 6 at the specified time points.

[0204] The assessment of the relative quality of the provision of plant-available water is carried out as shown in Table 6:

[0205] Table 6: Evaluation criteria for the relative quality of the provision of plant-available water

[0206] Table ?: Evaluation of the relative quality of the provision of plant-available water

[0207] Overall, the compositions according to the invention are distinguished from the comparison compositions by significantly advantageous water supply behavior for use in pot cultures. In particular, the compositions according to the invention overcome a number of disadvantages associated with the individual storage agents and thus demonstrate a synergistic effect. For comparison composition 3, for example, a significant negative impairment of the vitality of the seedlings in the corresponding planting box 3 is already evident on day 2.

[0208] On day 5, the seedlings also show strong signs of a lack of nutrients through the root system. Several seedlings exhibit wilted shoots, while others show leaf discoloration to light green and yellow. This can be inferred from the formation of waterlogging caused by composition 3.

[0209] For comparison compositions 1 and 2, an initially sufficient water supply was observed, and the corresponding seedlings exhibited average to good vigor. However, after 5 and 9 days, respectively, the vigor of the seedlings decreased significantly, and signs of water deficiency were observed. After 14 days, the seedlings ultimately dried out.

[0210] For compositions 4 to 6 according to the invention, continuous water supply can be concluded from the sustained good to very good vitality of the corresponding seedlings. The seedlings show no leaf discoloration or wilting shoots, thus indicating no oversupply of water or lack of oxygen supply to the roots. The seedlings also show no weakening due to insufficient water supply. Rather, species-appropriate growth and generally consistently good to very good vitality were observed over the test period.

[0211] Thus, in addition to advantageous water absorption and release behavior, compositions according to the invention also have advantageous water supply behavior for plants compared to the comparison compositions. The compositions according to the invention store water primarily in such a way that it is available to plants and can be absorbed via the plant roots from the pores of the storage agents of the composition according to the invention in a controlled and long-lasting manner. Furthermore, the combined use of the storage agent C can be accompanied by pollutant absorption or neutralization, which has a positive effect on growth (cf. above statements). The previously described, determined advantageous water absorption and release properties of compositions according to the invention can therefore also be efficiently used by plants. At the same time, the compositions according to the invention are also sufficiently porous orpermeable to air, so that waterlogging around the root system or a lack of oxygen does not occur.

[0212] Overall, the moisture and / or nutrient regulators according to the invention according to compositions 4 to 6 are characterized by a property profile that can be assessed as advantageous and positive for the intended uses or applications.

[0213] LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS:

[0214] 1 Moisturizing and / or nutrient regulator

[0215] 2 Planting system

[0216] 3 Clay mineral (storage agent B(i))

[0217] 4a moisture-storing mineral (storage agent B(ii), e.g. tuff and / or pumice)

[0218] 4b carbon-based storage materials (storage agent B(iii), e.g. granular activated carbon)

[0219] 5 organic-based polymer material (storage agent A, e.g. PMMA-based SAP)

Claims

Patent claims:

1. Moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent (1), in particular for plants, preferably for planting systems (2), plant boxes, plant pots or the like, preferably for use as a planting substrate and / or together with and / or in combination with at least one further planting substrate, wherein the moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent (1) comprises a mixture of at least two storage agents (A, B) that are different from one another and reversibly store moisture, in particular water, and / or nutrients and release them as needed, wherein the storage agents (A, B) that are different from one another store moisture, in particular water, with different retention times, in particular different retention times, and / or release it with different release times, in particular different release times, wherein the moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent (1) and / or the mixture comprises: (A) a first storage means (A), wherein the first storage means (A) comprises or at least essentially consists of at least one moisture-swellable, in particular water-swellable, organic-based polymer material (5); and (B) a second storage means (B), wherein the second storage means (B) comprises or at least essentially consists of at least one moisture-storing, in particular water-storing, inorganic-based storage material, wherein the inorganic-based storage material is selected from the group of (i) clay minerals (3), (ii) moisture-storing, in particular water-storing, minerals (4a) other than clay minerals, preferably in the form of inorganic solid particles of porous mineral glasses and / or rocks, in particular mineral glass and / or rock flours, preferably mineral glasses and / or rocks in finely ground form,(iii) moisture-storing, in particular water-storing, coal-based storage materials (4b) from the group of activated carbon, charcoal and hard coal, as well as combinations and mixtures thereof; in particular wherein in the moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent (1) and / or in the mixture, the first storage agent (A) and the second storage agent (B) are distributed next to one another and / or distributed unconnected and / or distributed loosely, preferably in each case in a homogeneous distribution, and / or in particular wherein in the moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent (1) and / or in the mixture, the first storage agent (A) and the second storage agent (B) are present in bulk, preferably in a homogeneous distribution;preferably wherein the second storage means (B), in particular in the moisture, in particular water, storing state, forms a dimensionally stable matrix for the first storage means (A) and / or around the first storage means (A); 2. Moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent according to claim 1, wherein the first storage agent (A) is particulate and / or wherein the first storage agent (A) is in the form of particles; in particular wherein the particle size of the first storage agent (A) in the moisture-free state is at least 0.1 mm, in particular at least 0.15 mm, preferably at least 0.2 mm, preferably at least 0.5 mm; preferably wherein at least 90%, preferably at least 95%, preferably at least 99% of the particles of the first storage agent lie within the aforementioned value ranges; and / or in particular wherein the particle size of the first storage agent (A) in the moisture-free state is at most 5.0 mm, in particular at most 4.5 mm, preferably at most 4.0 mm, preferably at most 3.0 mm; preferably wherein at least 90%, preferably at least 95%, preferably at least 99% of the particles of the first storage medium lie within the aforementioned value ranges; and / or in particular wherein the particle size of the first storage medium (A) in the moisture-free state lies in a range from 0.1 mm to 5.0 mm, in particular in a range from 0.15 mm to 4.5 mm, preferably in a range from 0.2 mm to 4.0 mm, preferably in a range from 0.5 mm to 3.0 mm, preferably wherein at least 90%, preferably at least 95%, preferably at least 99% of the particles of the first storage medium (A) lie within the aforementioned value ranges; in particular wherein the determination of the particle size (particle size) is carried out by means of laser diffraction, preferably according to DIN ISO 13320, and / or by means of sieve analysis, in particular dry sieving, preferably according to DIN 66165, preferably by means of laser diffraction, preferably according to DIN ISO 13320.

3. Moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second storage agent (B) is particulate and / or wherein the second storage agent (B) is in the form of particles; in particular wherein the particle size of the second storage agent (B) in the moisture-free state is at least 0.5 pm, in particular at least 1.0 pm, preferably at least 1.75 pm, more preferably at least 2.5 pm; preferably wherein at least 90%, preferably at least 95%, more preferably at least 99% of the particles of the second storage agent (B) lie within the aforementioned value ranges; and / or in particular wherein the particle size of the second storage agent (B) in the moisture-free state is at most 200 pm, in particular at most 100 pm, preferably at most 50 pm, more preferably at most 25 pm;Preferably, at least 90%, preferably at least 95%, preferably at least 99% of the particles of the second storage medium (B) lie within the aforementioned value ranges; and / or in particular, wherein the particle size of the second storage medium (B) in the moisture-free state is in a range from 0.5 pm to 200; m, in particular in a range from 1.0 pm to 100 pm, preferably in a range from 1.75 pm to 50 pm, more preferably in a range from 2.5 pm to 25 pm; preferably wherein at least 90%, preferably at least 95%, more preferably at least 99% of the particles of the second storage medium (B) are within the aforementioned value ranges; in particular wherein the particle size is determined by means of laser diffraction, preferably in accordance with DIN ISO 13320, and / or by means of sieve analysis, in particular dry sieving, preferably in accordance with DIN 66165, preferably by means of laser diffraction, preferably in accordance with DIN ISO 13320.

4. Moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first storage agent (A), in particular the particles of the first storage agent (A), and the second storage agent (B), in particular the particles of the second storage agent (B), in the moisture-free state are present in a size ratio, in particular particle size ratio, in a range from 1:2 to 10,000:1, in particular in a range from 3:1 to 4,500:1, preferably in a range from 10:1 to 2,500:1, preferably in a range from 40:1 to 1,000:1, to one another.

5. Moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first storage agent (A) absorbs and / or stores and / or incorporates moisture, in particular water, with an increase in volume, preferably with swelling, in particular with adsorption and / or absorption at least substantially into the interior of the storage agent, and / or wherein the first storage agent (A) swells in the presence of moisture, in particular water, preferably as a result of adsorption and / or absorption with the incorporation of moisture at least substantially into the interior of the storage agent, and / or absorbs moisture, in particular water, with an increase in volume; in particular wherein the first storage medium (A) has a moisture absorption capacity, in particular water absorption capacity, of at least 100 vol.%, in particular at least 200 vol.%, preferably at least 250 vol.%, preferably at least 275 vol.%, based on the volume of the storage medium in the moisture-free state; and / or in particular wherein the first storage medium (A) has a moisture absorption capacity, in particular water absorption capacity, of at most 500 vol.%, in particular at most 400 vol.%, preferably at most 350 vol.%, preferably at most 300 vol.%, based on the volume of the storage medium in the moisture-free state; and / or in particular wherein the first storage medium (A) has a moisture absorption capacity, in particular water absorption capacity, in a range from 100 vol.% to 500 vol.%, in particular in a range from 200 vol.% to 400 vol.%, preferably in a range from 250 vol.% to 350 vol.-%, preferably in a range of 275 vol.% to 300 vol.%, based on the volume of the storage medium in the moisture-free state.

6. Moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second storage agent (B) absorbs moisture, in particular water, preferably as a result of adsorption and / or absorption of moisture, in particular water, on the surface and / or into the interior of the storage agent, preferably on the surface and into the interior of the storage agent; in particular wherein the second storage agent (B) has a moisture absorption capacity, in particular water absorption capacity, of at least 5 vol.%, in particular at least 10 vol.%, preferably at least 25 vol.%, further preferably at least 40 vol.%, preferably at least 45 vol.%, based on the volume of the storage agent in the moisture-free state; and / or in particular wherein the second storage agent (B) has a moisture absorption capacity, in particular water absorption capacity, of at most 150 vol.%, in particular at most 100 vol.-%, preferably at most 85 vol.%, preferably at most 70 vol.%, based on the volume of the storage medium in the moisture-free state; and / or. in particular wherein the second storage medium (B) has a moisture absorption capacity, in particular water absorption capacity, in a range from 5 vol.% to 150 vol.%, in particular in a range from 10 vol.% to 150 vol.%, preferably in a range from 25 vol.% to 100 vol.%, more preferably in a range from 40 vol.% to 85 vol.%, preferably in a range from 45 vol.% to 70 vol.%, based on the volume of the storage medium in the moisture-free state.

7. Moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first storage agent (A) has a higher moisture absorption capacity, in particular water absorption capacity, compared to the second storage agent (B);in particular wherein the ratio of the moisture absorption capacity, in particular water absorption capacity, of the first storage means (A) to the moisture absorption capacity, in particular water absorption capacity, of the second storage means (B) is at least 5:1, in particular at least 10:1, preferably at least 15:1, more preferably at least 20:1, particularly preferably at least 25:1, and / or in particular wherein the ratio of the moisture absorption capacity, in particular water absorption capacity, of the first storage means (A) to the moisture absorption capacity, in particular water absorption capacity, of the second storage means (B) is in a range from 5:1 to 100:1, in particular in a range from 10:1 to 100:1, preferably in a range from 15:1 to 75:1, more preferably in a range from 20:1 to 60:1, particularly preferably in a range from 25 : 1 to 50 : 1 , lies.; 8. Moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first storage agent (A) has a higher moisture retention (moisture retention capacity), in particular water retention (water retention capacity), preferably based on the duration of retention, compared to the second storage agent (B); in particular wherein the ratio of the moisture retention, in particular water retention, of the first storage agent (A) to the moisture retention, in particular water retention, of the second storage agent (B) is at least 1.5:1, in particular 2:1, preferably at least 4:1, more preferably at least 7.5:1, preferably at least 15:

1.

9. Moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first storage agent (A) has a longer moisture release time (moisture release capacity), in particular water release (water release capacity), compared to the second storage agent (B); in particular wherein the ratio of the moisture release time, in particular water release, of the first storage agent (A) to the moisture release time, in particular water release, of the second storage agent (B) is at least 1.5:1, in particular at least 2.5:1, preferably at least 5:1, more preferably at least 10:

1.

10. Moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first storage agent (A) has a smaller proportion of fine pores, in particular a smaller proportion of fine pores with an average pore diameter of at most 0.25 pm, compared to the second storage agent (B), in particular in the moisture, in particular water, storing state; in particular wherein the ratio of the number of fine pores, in particular fine pores with an average pore diameter of at most 0.25 pm, of the first storage agent (A) to the number of fine pores, in particular fine pores with an average pore diameter of at most 0.25 pm, of the second storage agent (B) is at most 1:1.1, in particular at most 1:1.25, preferably at most 1:1.5, preferably at most 1:2;and / or wherein the first storage means (A) has a higher proportion of mesopores, in particular mesopores with an average pore diameter in a range of 2.5 pm to 4.5 pm, compared to the second storage means (B), in particular in the moisture, in particular water, storing state; in particular wherein the ratio of the number of mesopores, in particular mesopores with an average pore diameter in a range from 2.5 pm to 4.5 pm, of the first storage means (A) to the number of mesopores, in particular mesopores with an average pore diameter in a range from 2.5 pm to 4.5 pm, of the second storage means (B) is at least 1.1:1, in particular at least 1.25:1, preferably at least 1.5:1, preferably at least 2:

1.

11. Moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first storage agent (A) forms a hydrogel by absorbing moisture, in particular water.

12. Moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second storage agent (B), in particular minerals from the group of clay minerals comprised in the storage agent, forms (form) a thixotropic suspension upon absorption of moisture, in particular water, in particular wherein the thixotropic suspension has a shape-stabilizing effect and / or is dimensionally stable.

13. Moisture and / or nutrient regulator according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the moisture and / or nutrient regulator (1) and / or the mixture contains a deficit of the first storage agent (A) compared to the second storage agent (B); and / or wherein the moisture and / or nutrient regulator (1) and / or the mixture contains the first storage agent (A) in amounts in a range from 5 wt.% to 60 wt.%, in particular in a range from 7.5 wt.% to 45 wt.%, preferably in a range from 10 wt.% to 35 wt.%, more preferably in a range from 12.5 wt.% to 30 wt.%, based on the moisture and / or nutrient regulator (1) (dry weight) and / or the mixture (dry weight), and / or wherein the moisture and / or nutrient regulator (1) and / or the Moisture and / or nutrient regulator and / or the mixture contains the second storage agent (B) in amounts in a range from 5 wt.% to 95 wt.%, in particular in a range from 15 wt.% to 90 wt.%, preferably in a range from 25 wt.% to 85 wt.%, more preferably in a range from 32.5 wt.% to 80 wt.%, based on the moisture and / or nutrient regulator (1) (dry weight) and / or the mixture (dry weight).

14. Moisture and / or nutrient regulator according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the moisture and / or nutrient regulator (1) and / or the mixture contains an excess, in particular a weight-related excess and / or volume-related excess, preferably a weight-related excess, of the second storage agent (B) compared to the first storage agent (A); and / or wherein the moisture and / or nutrient regulator (1) and / or the mixture contains the second storage agent (B) in amounts in a range from 5 wt.% to 95 wt.%, in particular in a range from 15 wt.% to 90 wt.%, preferably in a range from 25 wt.% to 85 wt.%, more preferably in a range from 32.5 wt.% to 80 wt.-%, based on the moisture and / or nutrient regulator (1) (dry weight) and / or the mixture (dry weight), and / or wherein the moisture and / or nutrient regulator (1) and / or the mixture contains the first storage agent (A) in amounts in a range from 5 wt.% to 60 wt.%, in particular in a range from 7.5 wt.% to 45 wt.%, preferably in a range from 10 wt.% to 35 wt.%, more preferably in a range from 12.5 wt.% to 30 wt.%, based on the moisture and / or nutrient regulator (1) (dry weight) and / or the mixture (dry weight).

15. Moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent (1) and / or the mixture contains the first storage agent (A) and the second storage agent (B) in a quantity ratio, in particular a weight-related quantity ratio and / or volume-related quantity ratio, preferably weight-related ratio, in a range of 5:95 to 95:5, in particular in a range of 10:90 to 90:10, preferably in a range of 15:85 to 85:15, more preferably in a range of 20:80 to 80:

20.

16. Moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the organic-based polymer material of the first storage agent (A) has a sponge-like and / or porous structure, in particular one having open-pore cavities; in particular wherein the structure of the polymer material is hydrophilic; and / or in particular wherein the surface of the structure of the polymer material is salt-like; and / or wherein the polymer material is based on at least one superabsorbent polymer (SAP).

17. Moisture and / or nutrient regulator according to claim 16, wherein the superabsorbent polymer (SAP) is a homopolymer and / or copolymer of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, or their derivatives; and / or wherein the superabsorbent polymer (SAP) is a polyacrylate or polymethacrylate, in particular a crosslinked, preferably structurally crosslinked polyacrylate or polymethacrylate, preferably a particularly crosslinked, preferably structurally crosslinked polyacrylate; in particular wherein acrylic acid, methacrylic acid or derivatives thereof, or polyacrylate or polymethacrylate, preferably with sodium ions, potassium ions and / or ammonium ions, are partially neutralized, preferably wherein acrylic acid, methacrylic acid or derivatives thereof, or polyacrylate or polymethacrylate have a degree of neutralization in a range from 10 mol% to 95 mol%, in particular in a range from 50 mol% to 90 mol%, preferably in a range from 70 mol% to 95 mol%.

18. Moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the organic-based polymer material of the first storage agent (A) is biocompatible, in particular biodegradable, preferably degradable under the action of microorganisms.

19. Moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second storage agent (B) comprises or at least essentially consists of at least two moisture-storing, in particular water-storing, inorganic-based storage materials from the group of (i) clay minerals, (ii) moisture-storing, in particular water-storing, minerals other than clay minerals and (iii) moisture-storing, in particular water-storing, coal-based storage materials as well as mixtures or combinations thereof, preferably wherein one of the moisture-storing, in particular water-storing, inorganic-based storage materials is selected from the group of (i) clay minerals.

20. Moisture and / or nutrient regulator according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the clay minerals (i) comprised in and / or by the second storage agent (B) are selected from the group of two-layer clay minerals, three-layer clay minerals, and four-layer clay minerals, in particular three-layer clay minerals and four-layer clay minerals; preferably three-layer clay minerals, as well as mixtures or combinations thereof; preferably from the group of illite, smectite, vermiculite, montmorillonite, bentonite, beidellite, nontronite, saponite, and hectorite, as well as mixtures or combinations thereof; and / or wherein the moisture-storing, in particular water-storing, minerals (ii) other than clay minerals comprised in and / or by the second storage agent (B) are selected from the group of aerogels, basalt, pumice, expanded perlite, expanded clay, calcite, carbonate rocks, diabase, dolomite, igneous rocks, feldspar, ground glass, glasses, Mica, gneiss, greywacke, silica, diatomaceous earth, silica, chalk, lava rocks, magnesite, metal oxide rocks, meteoritic rocks, pyrite, perlite, quartz, quartz sand, slate, sedimentary rocks, silicate rocks, sulfate rocks, trass, tuffs, volcanic ash, volcanic rocks, xerogels, and zeolites, as well as mixtures or combinations thereof; and / or wherein the moisture-storing, in particular water-storing, coal-based storage materials (iii) comprised in and / or by the second storage agent (B) are selected from activated carbon, in particular granular activated carbon, preferably spherical activated carbon.

21. Moisture and / or nutrient regulator according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second storage agent (B) contains minerals (i) and / or (ii), preferably clay minerals (i), in amounts of up to 100 wt.% or in a range from 5 wt.% to 99 wt.%, in particular in a range from 25 wt.% to 95 wt.%, preferably in a range from 40 wt.% to 92.5 wt.%, more preferably in a range from 50 wt.% to 90 wt.%, based on the second storage agent (B).

22. Moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second storage agent (B) contains moisture-storing, in particular water-storing, minerals (ii) in amounts in a range from 1 wt.% to 50 wt.%, in particular in a range from 2 wt.% to 40 wt.%, preferably in a range from 4 wt.% to 30 wt.%, preferably in a range from 5 wt.% to 25 wt.%, based on the second storage agent.

23. Moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second storage agent (B) comprises moisture-storing, in particular water-storing, carbon-based storage materials (iii) in amounts of up to 100 wt.% or in a range from 5 wt.% to 90 wt.%, in particular in a range from 25 wt.% to 80 wt.%, preferably in a range from 40 wt.% to 75 wt.%, preferably in a range from 50 wt.% to 70 wt.%, based on the second storage agent (B).

24. Moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent (1) and / or the mixture additionally comprises at least one storage agent (C) that buffers moisture and / or absorbs pollutants, in particular irreversibly; in particular wherein the moisture-buffering and / or pollutant-absorbing storage agent (C) is selected from the group consisting of activated carbon, charcoal, mineral-modified, acid-neutralizing copolymer granules and mineral-modified, base-neutralizing copolymer granules, in particular activated carbon and charcoal, and mixtures or combinations thereof; and / or wherein the moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent (1) and / or the mixture comprises the moisture-buffering and / or pollutant-absorbing storage agent (C) in amounts ranging from 0.01% by weight to 20% by weight.-%, in particular in a range of 0.1 wt.% to 15 wt.%, preferably in a range of 0.5 wt.% to 10 wt.%, preferably in a range of 1 wt.% to 5 wt.%, based on the moisture and / or nutrient regulator (1) (dry weight) and / or the mixture (dry weight).

25. Moisture and / or nutrient regulator according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the moisture and / or nutrient regulator (I) and / or the mixture, in particular in the moisture, in particular water, and / or nutrient storing state, has a pH in the at least substantially neutral range, in particular in a range from pH 5.0 to pH 8.5, preferably in a range from pH 6.0 to pH 8.0, preferably in a range from pH 6.5 to pH 7.

75.

26. Moisture and / or nutrient regulator according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the moisture and / or nutrient regulator (1) and / or the mixture also contains further additives selected from the group of plant-relevant nutrients, in particular phosphoric acid, uric acid, urea, guanidine and their plant-compatible salts, fertilizers, in particular in bound form, pesticides, insecticides, fungicides, microorganisms, fungi, algae, yeasts, boric acid, glycols, starch and starch derivatives, cellulose and cellulose derivatives and polysaccharides and mixtures or combinations thereof; in particular wherein the moisture and / or nutrient regulator (1) and / or the mixture also contains further additives in amounts in a range from 0.001 wt.% to 15 wt.%, in particular in a range from 0.01 wt.% to 10 wt.%, preferably in a range from 0.1 wt.% to 5 wt.-%, based on the moisture and / or. nutrient regulators.

27. Moisture and / or nutrient regulator according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the moisture and / or nutrient regulator (1) and / or the mixture has a conductivity below 2,000 pS / cm, in particular below 1,500 pS / cm, preferably below 1,000 pS / cm.

28. Moisture and / or nutrient regulator according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the moisture and / or nutrient regulator (1) in the application for use with plants, in particular in a planting system, plant box, plant pot or the like, has a, in particular initial, residual moisture content of at least 0.5 wt.%, in particular at least 5 wt.%, preferably at least 10 wt.%, preferably at least 15 wt.%, and / or of at most 75 wt.%, in particular at most 50 wt.%, preferably at most 40 wt.%, preferably at most 35 wt.%, based in each case on the total weight of the residually moist moisture and / or nutrient regulator.

29. Moisture and / or nutrient regulator according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the moisture and / or nutrient regulator (1) is used in the application for use with plants, in particular in a planting system, plant box, plant pot or the like, in amounts in a range of 0.5 g to 80 g per plant, in particular in a range of 1 g to 40 g per plant, preferably in a range of 1.5 g to 20 g per plant, in particular based on seed plants and / or in particular based on smaller and / or in particular based on medium-sized seedlings of plants.

30. Moisture and / or nutrient regulator according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the moisture and / or nutrient regulator (1) in the application for use with plants, in particular in a planting system, plant box, plant pot or the like, in amounts in a range of 0.25 g to 10 g per m2 , in particular in a range of 0.5 g to 7.5 g per m 2 , preferably in a range of 1.0 g to 5.0 g per m 2 , based on the area or surface to be treated with the moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent.

31. Use of a moisture and / or nutrient regulator (1) according to one of the preceding claims for the cultivation of plants, in particular for the cultivation of useful plants and / or ornamental plants, preferably for the cultivation of green roofs.

32. Use of a moisture and / or nutrient regulator (1) according to one of the preceding claims for promoting the growth of plants, in particular of useful plants and / or ornamental plants, preferably of green roofs.

33. Use of a moisture and / or nutrient regulator (1) according to one of the preceding claims for regulating and / or managing the moisture and nutrient first off level in a planting system, plant box, plant pot or the like.

34. Use according to claim 31, 32 and / or 33, wherein the planting system is a green roof system, and / or wherein the planting box is a box for green roofs.

35. Use of a moisture and / or nutrient regulator (1) according to one of the preceding claims as a plant substrate and / or in combination with at least one further plant substrate; in particular wherein the further plant substrate is selected from the group consisting of rock wool, hydroponic mineral fibre wool, coconut fibres, coconut chips, wood fibres, wood shavings, peat, compost, rice husks, expanded clay, vermiculite, perlite, gravel, sand, pumice stone and basalt, as well as mixtures or combinations thereof; or in particular from the group consisting of rock wool, hydroponic mineral fibre wool, coconut fibres, coconut chips, rice husks, expanded clay, vermiculite and perlite, as well as mixtures or combinations thereof; or preferably from the group consisting of rock wool, coconut fibres, coconut chips, potting soil, sand and topsoil, as well as mixtures or combinations thereof.

36. Kit comprising a moisture and / or nutrient regulator (1) for plants, preferably for planting systems (2), plant boxes, plant pots or the like, according to one of the preceding claims and at least one further planting substrate.

37. Kit according to claim 36, wherein the additional planting substrate is selected from the group consisting of rock wool, hydroponic mineral fiber wool, coconut fibers, coconut chips, wood fibers, wood shavings, peat, compost, rice hulls, expanded clay, vermiculite, perlite, gravel, sand, pumice, and basalt, as well as mixtures or combinations thereof; or in particular from the group consisting of rock wool, hydroponic mineral fiber wool, coconut fibers, coconut chips, rice hulls, expanded clay, vermiculite, and perlite, as well as mixtures or combinations thereof; or preferably from the group consisting of rock wool, coconut fibers, coconut chips, potting soil, sand, and topsoil, as well as mixtures or combinations thereof.

38. Kit according to claim 36 or 37, wherein the moisture and / or nutrient regulator is used in the application for use with plants, in particular in a planting system, plant box, plant pot or the like, in amounts in a range of 0.5 g to 20 g per liter of the further planting substrate, in particular in a range of 1 g to 10 g per liter of planting substrate, preferably in a range of 1.5 g to 5 g per liter of planting substrate.

39. Plant box, in particular roof greening plant box, comprising a moisture and / or nutrient regulating agent (1) according to one of the related claims or comprising a kit according to one of the related claims.

40. Planting system (2), in particular a green roof system, comprising a moisture and / or nutrient regulator (1) according to one of the related claims or comprising a kit according to one of the related claims or comprising a plurality of plant boxes according to the related claim.

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