Hydroponic culture device

Abstract

The invention relates to a plant culture device, comprising an irrigation system comprising a measuring means, a fluid supply device arranged to supply fluid to the plant culture, comprising a supply duct (1.11) having a first end in fluid connection with a water source (1.6) and with a means for adding additives, the fluid supply device being arranged to adapt a culture solution coming from a series of containers (1.13) and form a suitable culture solution, the device comprising a control means and a movement means operationally connected to the irrigation system.

Description

[0001] HYDROPONIC CULTURE DEVICE

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The present invention lies in the technical field of agriculture in a controlled environment.

[0004] The present invention relates to a device for growing plants, more particularly for hydroponic cultivation.

[0005] The present invention also relates to an irrigation method for growing plants, more particularly for hydroponic cultivation.

[0006] The present invention relates to a use of the device according to the present invention.

[0007] Prior art

[0008] Hydroponics, or hydroponic cultivation, is the cultivation of plants in gutters by the action of water, most often on a neutral and inert substrate, such as sand, pozzolan, clay balls or rock wool, etc., replacing traditional soil. This substrate is regularly irrigated by water or by a liquid stream which provides mineral salts and nutrients essential to the plant. Hydroponic cultivation can also be initiated on an initial substrate (initial support) for germination, and then hydroponic cultivation is carried out without substrate, the roots floating in the water of the gutters.

[0009] The advantage of hydroponic crops is that they allow better control over the conditions in which plants develop. Crops are grown without soil but with a substrate that is chosen according to the objectives and that is placed according to the space allocated to the crop, a liquid solution that is controlled and that can be recycled, and devices to control other parameters such as acidity.

[0010] Different distinct techniques for carrying out hydroponic cultivation are described in the scientific literature (Niu, Genhua, & Masabni 2022, "Chapter 9 - Hydroponics." In Plant Factory Basics, Applications and Advances, edited by Toyoki Kozai, Genhua Niu, and Joseph Masabni, 153-66. Academic Press. Kozai & Toyoki 2018, “Plant Factories with Artificial Lighting (PFALs): Benefits, Problems, and Challenges. " In Smart Plant Factory, edited by Toyoki Kozai, 15-29. Singapore: Springer Singapore. https: / / doi.org / ! 0.1007 / 978-981 -13-1065-2_2 ; Son, Jung Eek, Hak Jin Kim, & Tae 2020, "Chapter 20 - Hydroponic Systems." In Plant Factory (Second Edition), edited by Toyoki Kozai, Genhua Niu, and Michiko Takagaki, 273-83. Academic Press. https: / / doi.org / 10.1016 / B978-0-12-816691 -8.00020-0; Webster & Devin 2017, Advances in Hydroponics Research. Agricultural Issues and Policies. Hauppauge, New York: Nova Science Publishers, Inc.) et sur des sites internet (https: / / en.wikipedia.Org / wiki / Hydroponics#Techniques,

[0011] Hydroponic growing devices exist on the market. In this context, document US20210084850 describes an irrigation system for a vertical farming structure having vertical growing towers and transport mechanisms such as conveyors for moving the vertical growing towers in a controlled environment such as lighting, airflow, humidity, nutritional support, etc. The hydroponic growing device according to this document is based on a complex piping system arranged to bring the aqueous solution suitable for plant growth to the top of the growing towers from a recirculation circuit, allowing the reuse of the excess aqueous solution used to irrigate the growing towers, the excess aqueous solution being collected in a gutter at the bottom of the growing towers.Unfortunately, the cultivation device according to this document includes a complex, inflexible piping system, which does not allow individualized cultivation, and / or simultaneous cultivation of several different types of plants, and precise and optimal control of the cultivation because the plants located at the bottom of the cultivation towers will receive a cultivation solution depleted in nutrients and elements essential for optimal plant growth compared to the plants located at the top of the cultivation towers. In addition, the pressurized irrigation pipes can be very long, requiring a significant amount of equipment and energy to implement the device according to this document.

[0012] US20210161090 describes a high-density hydroponic growing system comprising one or more growth columns, and one or more inclined housings coupled to the growth columns. The growing system according to this document comprises an irrigation system comprising a capture reservoir, a nutrient reservoir, a water source, pumps and a supply pipe comprising a growing solution. This document also describes a method of hydroponic growing involving the reuse of excess growing solution that has flowed down the growth columns to be recovered in the capture reservoir. Although this document extols the merits of its technology, in practice, the growing device according to this document comprises a complex piping system, which is not very flexible and does not allow for individualized growing and precise and optimal control of the crop.This document also does not describe an irrigation method for hydroponic cultivation allowing rapid, precise and flexible regulation of the culture solution of a gutter of a hydroponic cultivation while minimizing the water consumption required for the implementation of this method.

[0013] There is therefore a need for a more flexible and compact hydroponic growing device while minimizing the consumption of equipment, energy and water in order to fully integrate into a sustainable development approach, all while being easily industrializable regardless of the size of the growing device.

[0014] Objectives of the invention

[0015] The present invention aims to overcome the drawbacks of the state of the art, in particular those described above.

[0016] In particular, the present invention proposes to provide a device for growing plants, more particularly for compact hydroponic cultivation, allowing precise control of the cultivation parameters, while being flexible so as to be able to easily generate a hydroponic cultivation comprising different types of plants in which the cultivation of each type of plant is controlled individually and optimally.

[0017] The present invention also provides a device for growing plants, more particularly for hydroponic cultivation, making it possible to change the cultivation parameters over time according to the specific needs during the growth of the type(s) of plant(s). The present invention also proposes to provide a device for growing plants, more particularly for hydroponic cultivation, making it possible to reduce as much as possible the consumption of water, energy and equipment to ensure efficient irrigation making it possible to obtain a hydroponic cultivation that is fully integrated into a sustainable development approach.

[0018] Furthermore, the present invention proposes to provide a device for growing plants, more particularly for hydroponic cultivation, which can be easily industrialized regardless of the size of the device.

[0019] The present invention also proposes to provide an irrigation method for growing plants, more particularly for hydroponic cultivation, making it possible to quickly and individually control and optimize each cultivation solution for a plurality of different plant crops while minimizing the consumption of water and energy needed for implementing the method according to the invention, in line with a principle of sustainable development.

[0020] Summary of the invention

[0021] To achieve these objectives, the present invention provides a device for growing plants, more particularly for hydroponic cultivation, comprising:

[0022] 1) a plurality of containers, formed of at least one series of containers, each container being arranged to contain at least one plant culture,

[0023] 2) an irrigation or fertigation system comprising: i. a fluid supply device arranged to supply fluid to the plant culture, comprising a supply conduit, said supply conduit having a first end in fluid connection with a water source and with a means for adding additives, the fluid supply device being arranged to adapt a culture solution from a series of containers and form a suitable culture solution, ii. a measuring means comprising a sensor of a physicochemical and / or biological parameter of the culture solution, iii. a control means,

[0024] 3) a valve arranged to close or open the supply conduit,

[0025] 4) a moving means arranged to effect a relative movement of said plurality of containers with respect to said irrigation or fertigation system, characterized in that the moving means is operatively connected to the irrigation or fertigation system to successively bring a series of containers of the plurality of containers to the irrigation or fertigation system or to successively bring said irrigation or fertigation system to a series of containers of the plurality of containers and to successively form for each series of containers of the plurality of containers a fluid connection between the series of containers of the plurality of containers and a second end of the supply conduit,the control means being in operational connection with the fluid supply device and with the measuring means so as to allow: a measurement by the measuring means of at least one physicochemical and / or biological parameter of the culture solution and a determination of a deviation between the measurement and a predetermined value, an actuation of the additive addition means and / or the water source to correct the deviation and adapt the culture solution so as to form the suitable culture solution, an opening of the valve so as to bring the suitable culture solution towards the second end of the supply conduit.,

[0026] Indeed, the hydroponic cultivation device according to the present invention in which the moving means is operatively connected to the irrigation system to successively bring a series of containers of the plurality of containers to the irrigation or fertigation system or to successively bring the irrigation or fertigation system to a series of containers of the plurality of containers and to successively form for each series of containers of the plurality of containers a fluid connection between the series of containers of the plurality of containers and a second end of the supply conduit is compact, requiring little material because it is the moving means which makes it possible to bring the plurality of containers to the irrigation system or the irrigation system to the plurality of containers.This avoids having a long and complex piping system, most often under pressure, to irrigate the series of containers. This makes it possible to provide a cultivation device whose implementation consumes little energy and little material, ensuring easy industrialization of the device whatever its size, and making it possible to obtain a plant culture, more particularly a hydroponic culture fully integrated into a sustainable development approach.

[0027] In addition, the movement means makes it possible to successively create a fluid connection between each series of containers of the plurality of containers and the irrigation system, which makes it possible to create a regulation loop of the culture solution in an individualized manner for each series of containers of the plurality of containers. Indeed, for each series of containers, at least one physicochemical and / or biological parameter of the culture solution is measured by the sensor of a physicochemical and / or biological parameter of the culture solution. The control means makes it possible to analyze this measurement and to adapt the culture solution to form a suitable culture solution, and this by controlling the fluidic supply device in fluidic connection with the additive addition means, the water source and the supply conduit.Opening the supply conduit by actuating the valve then allows the culture solution adapted to the series of containers to be supplied. At the end of each culture solution control loop, the moving means brings another series of containers to the irrigation system or brings the irrigation system to another series of containers, which allows a fluid connection between the second end of the supply conduit and the other series of containers. The device according to the present invention is thus flexible so as to be able to easily generate a hydroponic culture comprising different types of plants in which the cultivation of each type of plant is controlled and adapted so as to optimize the culture solution individually for each series of containers.Furthermore, the implementation of the device according to the present invention makes it possible to minimize water consumption because the culture solution used is not thrown away or disposed of, but is recycled and adapted by consuming a minimum of water to form a culture solution adapted for each series of containers. This saves a significant amount of water and makes it possible to place the device according to the invention in places where the water supply is scarce. This while maintaining an optimal, stable and individualized quality of the culture solution for each series of containers.

[0028] According to the present invention, the term "a determination of a deviation between the measurement and a predetermined value" means a difference or a ratio between the measured value and a predetermined value.

[0029] According to the present invention, the term "a fertigation system" means a system for supplying plant cultivation with both water and fertilizer.

[0030] Other embodiments of the device for growing plants, more particularly for hydroponic cultivation according to the present invention are indicated in the appended claims.

[0031] The present invention also relates to an irrigation method for growing plants, more particularly for hydroponic cultivation, comprising the steps:

[0032] El: an actuation of a draining means for withdrawing a culture solution from a series of containers of a plurality of containers so as to form a withdrawn culture solution,

[0033] E2: a measurement by a measuring means of at least one physicochemical and / or biological parameter of the culture solution taken,

[0034] E3: an analysis of the culture solution taken by a control means, the analysis being arranged to determine a deviation between the measurement and a predetermined value,

[0035] E4: an actuation of a means of adding additives to correct the deviation so as to reach the predetermined value,

[0036] E5: an actuation of a supply means for supplying the suitable culture solution into the series of containers of the plurality of containers. Such methods are known as indicated above (see for example US20210084850 and US20210161090). As mentioned the problems of these methods are that they do not allow a rapid, precise and flexible regulation of the culture solution of a gutter of a hydroponic culture while minimizing the water consumption required for their implementation.

[0037] There is therefore also a need to provide an irrigation method for hydroponic cultivation making it possible to precisely and quickly control and adapt different physicochemical and / or biological parameters of a hydroponic cultivation solution so as to allow flexible hydroponic cultivation which can comprise a plurality of different plants for which each plant has specific optimal cultivation conditions while minimizing the consumption of water and energy useful for implementing the method so as to provide an irrigation method for hydroponic cultivation in line with a principle of sustainable development.

[0038] The irrigation method for growing plants, more particularly for hydroponic cultivation according to the present invention, is characterized in that it further comprises the steps:

[0039] E6: an actuation of a displacement means to provide relative displacement between (a) the plurality of containers and (b) the emptying means, the supply means and the measuring means so as to form a fluid connection between the emptying means and a series of containers N+1 of the plurality of containers and between the supply means and the series of containers N+1 of the plurality of containers, the series of containers N+1 being adjacent to the series of containers,

[0040] E7: a repetition of steps E1 to E6 for irrigating several series of containers of the plurality of containers, preferably all the series of containers of the plurality of containers, and in that the actuation of the draining means is an actuation by a draining pump, and the measurement by a measuring means further comprises a measurement of the volume of the culture solution taken.

[0041] Indeed, the irrigation method for hydroponic cultivation according to the present invention combining a draining cycle comprising the aforementioned steps E1 to E5 of the method according to the invention followed by a movement of the series of containers by a movement means to carry out again the steps E1 to E5 of the draining cycle in a series of containers N+1 adjacent to the series of containers of the plurality of containers makes it possible to carry out precise control and rapid and individualized adaptation of the culture solution of each series of containers of the plurality of containers.Indeed, as the volume of the culture solution is actively drained by the drain pump and is measured by the volume measuring means and the culture solution is adapted by means of adding additives, this makes it possible to quickly provide a solution adapted both in relation to the physicochemical and / or biological parameters useful for carrying out an adequate culture of the series of containers. This also makes it possible to provide a suitable culture solution whose volume corresponds to the volume of the series of containers which minimizes the water consumption for implementing the method according to the present invention.In addition, the actuation of the moving means to move the plurality of containers makes it possible to form a fluid connection between the emptying means and the series of containers N+1 of the plurality of containers and between the supply means and the series of containers N+1 of the plurality of containers, which avoids using a complex piping system, often under pressure, to access the different containers of the plurality of containers. This therefore also minimizes the energy consumption for implementing the method according to the invention. The method for irrigating a hydroponic crop according to the present invention is therefore in line with a principle of sustainable development.

[0042] Other embodiments of the irrigation method for growing plants, more particularly for hydroponic cultivation according to the present invention, are indicated in the appended claims.

[0043] The present invention also relates to a use of the device for growing plants, more particularly for hydroponic cultivation according to the present invention, for growing plants with high added value such as aromatic, medicinal, ornamental, and / or recreational plants.

[0044] Other embodiments of using the device according to the present invention are indicated in the appended claims. Detailed description of the invention

[0045] Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge from the description given below, without limitation and with reference to the drawings and examples.

[0046] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the irrigation or fertigation system of the device for growing plants, more particularly for hydroponic cultivation according to the present invention.

[0047] Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the irrigation or fertigation system of the device for growing plants, more particularly for hydroponic cultivation according to the present invention.

[0048] Figure 3 is a schematic representation of one embodiment of the device according to the present invention.

[0049] Figure 4 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the moving means, in particular a conveyor, of the device according to the present invention comprising means for tilting a container.

[0050] Figure 5 shows a comparison of the amount of fresh matter, dry matter and the ratio of dry matter to fresh matter for a crop grown in a conventional hydroponic device and grown in the device according to the present invention.

[0051] In the figures, identical or similar elements bear the same references.

[0052] In this description and the claims, it is clearly understood that the terms "a", "an" or "the" mean "at least one" and are not to be limited to "a single one", unless explicitly stated otherwise. Furthermore, when a range of values ​​is stated, the ends are included. Finally, all integral and sub-range values ​​within a numerical range are expressly included as if explicitly written.

[0053] The device for growing plants, more particularly for hydroponic cultivation according to the present invention, comprises: 1) a plurality of containers, formed of at least one series of containers, each container being arranged to contain at least one plant culture,

[0054] 2) an irrigation or fertigation system 1 comprising: i. a fluid supply device arranged to supply fluid to the plant culture, comprising a supply conduit 1.11, the supply conduit having a first end in fluid connection with a water source 1.6 and with a means for adding additives 1.8, the fluid supply device being arranged to adapt a culture solution coming from a series of containers 1.13 and form a suitable culture solution, ii. a measuring means comprising a sensor of a physicochemical and / or biological parameter of the culture solution, iii. a control means 1.9,

[0055] 3) a valve arranged to close or open the supply conduit,

[0056] 4) a moving means arranged to effect a relative movement of said plurality of containers with respect to said irrigation or fertigation system, characterized in that the moving means is operatively connected to the irrigation or fertigation system 1 to successively bring a series of containers 1.13 of the plurality of containers to the irrigation or fertigation system 1 or to successively bring the irrigation or fertigation system 1 to a series of containers 1.13 of the plurality of containers and to successively form for each series of containers 1.13 of the plurality of containers a fluid connection between the series of containers of the plurality of containers and a second end of the supply conduit 1.11, the control means 1.9 being in operational connection with the fluid supply device and with the measuring means so as to allow: a measurement by the measuring means of at least one physicochemical and / or biological parameter of the culture solution and a determination of a deviation between the measurement and a predetermined value, an actuation of the additive addition means and / or the water source to correct the deviation and adapt the culture solution so as to form the adapted culture solution, an opening of the valve so as to bring the adapted culture solution towards the second end of the supply conduit.

[0057] Figure 1 illustrates a first embodiment of the irrigation or fertigation system 1 of the device for growing plants, more particularly for hydroponic cultivation according to the present invention comprising an irrigation or fertigation system 1 comprising: a fluid supply device arranged to supply fluid to the plant culture, comprising a supply conduit 1.11, the supply conduit having a first end in fluid connection with a water source 1.6 and with a means for adding additives 1.8, the fluid supply device being arranged to adapt a culture solution coming from a series of containers and form a suitable culture solution, a measuring means comprising a sensor of a physicochemical and / or biological parameter of the culture solution (not shown), a control means 1.9.

[0058] Preferably, the moving means is a conveyor arranged to bring the plurality of containers to the irrigation or fertigation system.

[0059] Preferably, the conveyor 2 comprises tilting means 3.1 arranged to tilt the series of containers 1.13 of the plurality of containers relative to a horizontal surface.

[0060] Preferably, Figure 2 illustrates a second embodiment of the irrigation or fertigation system of the device for growing plants, more particularly for hydroponic cultivation according to the present invention, in which the fluid supply device further comprises a buffer tank 1.1 and a recirculation conduit 1.5 forming a recirculation loop with the buffer tank 1.1, the buffer tank being in fluid connection with the water source 1.6, the additive addition means 1.8 and the first end of the supply conduit 1.3, and in which the irrigation or fertigation system 1 further comprises a drain conduit 1.12 arranged to drain the culture solution from the series of containers 1.13 of the plurality of containers, the drain conduit 1.12 being connected to a drain pump 1.14 and having a first end 1.2 in fluid connection with the buffer tank 1.1 and a second end in fluid connection with the series of containers 1.13 of the plurality of containers, the measuring means 1.4 further comprising a volume measuring means 1.15 of the culture solution, and the control means 1.9 being further in operative connection with the drain pump 1.14 and the recirculation conduit 1.5 so as to further allow: an actuation, prior to said measurement, of the drain pump 1.14 to bring the culture solution from said series of containers 1.13 of the plurality of containers to said buffer tank 1.1, a measurement of the volume by the volume measuring means 1.15 of the culture solution, the measurement of the volume being prior to the actuation of the additive addition means 1.8.

[0061] Alternatively to the second embodiment of the irrigation or fertigation system of the device for growing plants, more particularly for hydroponic cultivation according to the present invention, the fluid supply device further comprises a buffer tank 1.1 comprising a mixing means such as for example a propeller or paddle system, the buffer tank 1.1 being in fluid connection with the water source 1.6, the additive adding means 1.8 and the first end of the supply conduit 1.3, and wherein the irrigation or fertigation system 1 further comprises a drain conduit 1.12 arranged to drain the culture solution from the series of containers 1.13 of the plurality of containers, the drain conduit 1.12 being connected to a drain pump 1.14 and having a first end 1.2 in fluid connection with the buffer tank 1.1 and a second end in fluid connection with the series of containers 1.13 of the plurality of containers, the measuring means 1.4 further comprising a volume measuring means 1.15 of the culture solution, and the control means 1.9 being further in operative connection with the drain pump 1.14 so as to further allow: an actuation, prior to said measurement, of the drain pump 1.14 to bring the culture solution from said series of containers 1.13 of the plurality of containers to said buffer tank 1.1, a measurement of the volume by the volume measuring means 1.15 of the culture solution, the measurement of the volume being prior to the actuation of the additive addition means 1.8.

[0062] Figure 3 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the device according to the present invention comprising an irrigation or fertigation system 1, the moving means 2, in particular a conveyor, comprising two stages, each stage comprising a guide rail 2.1. The device also comprising a lifting system 2.2 such as for example an elevator.

[0063] Figure 4 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the moving means 2, in particular a conveyor, of the device according to the present invention comprising a tilting means 3.1 of a series of containers 1.13, and the drain pump 1.14 operatively connected to a linear actuator 3.2 of the tilting means 3.1.

[0064] Preferably, the moving means 2, in particular the conveyor, comprises the drain pump 1.14 operatively connected to a linear actuator 3.2 of the tilting means 3.1 of a series of containers 1.13.

[0065] Preferably, the control means 1.9 is operatively connected to the moving means, in particular the conveyor, for bringing a series of containers N+1 of the plurality of containers to the irrigation system 1 so as to form a fluid connection between the series of containers N+1 of the plurality of containers and the second end of the supply conduit and between the series of containers N+1 of the plurality of containers and the second end of the discharge conduit, the series of containers N+1 being adjacent to the series of containers.

[0066] According to the present invention, the term "container" means any type of container capable of containing a culture solution for growing plants in the presence or absence of substrate, such as, for example, a gutter, a tray, a pot, a tray. Preferably, in the device according to the present invention, the series of containers is a series of gutters and the plurality of containers is a plurality of gutters.

[0067] Preferably, the plurality of gutters comprises several series of gutters in which each series of gutters comprises one or more gutters, preferably one gutter. Preferably, the plurality of gutters comprises between 10 and 100 gutters, favorably 50 gutters. Preferably, each gutter has a volume arranged to contain a volume of culture solution of between 1L and 15L, preferably around 5L. Preferably, the plurality of gutters is arranged in a plurality of rows in which each row comprises several gutters in series.

[0068] Preferably, the control means 1.9 is in operative connection with the drain pump 1.14, the recirculation conduit 1.5, the measuring means 1.4, and the conveyor so as to allow an irrigation cycle of the series of gutters N+1 of the plurality of gutters.

[0069] Preferably, the device according to the present invention further comprises a recirculation pump 1.7 in fluid connection with the recirculation loop and being in operational connection with the control means 1.9 so as to allow recirculation of the culture solution in the recirculation conduit 1.5 concomitantly with the actuation of the additive addition means 1.8. Indeed, the presence of a recirculation pump facilitates the movement of the culture solution in the recirculation loop, accelerating the regulation and adaptation of the culture solution to form a suitable culture solution.

[0070] According to the present invention, the water source 1.6 is in fluid connection with a water tank and / or with a city water system, and / or a water recovery system, for example a system for recovering condensation water from an air conditioning system.

[0071] Preferably, the conveyor comprises a tilting means arranged to tilt the series of gutters of the plurality of gutters, the tilting means making it possible to drain through the drain pipe at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, or even at least 99%, of the volume of the culture solution of the series of gutters of the plurality of gutters. Indeed, the tilting means of the series of gutters makes it possible to collect a significant quantity of the culture solution from the gutter, which will optimize the adaptation of the culture solution to give a suitable culture solution whose physicochemical and / or biological composition and volume are optimized for the needs of the culture of the series of gutters.

[0072] Preferably, the moving means, in particular the conveyor, comprises a guide rail arranged to move the plurality of gutters. Preferably, the moving means, in particular the conveyor, comprises several stages, each stage comprising a guide rail. Indeed, a device having a moving means, in particular the conveyor, comprising several stages makes it possible to have a compact device limiting the floor space of the device according to the invention, which favors the implementation of the device according to the invention in places not having a large floor space available such as for example an urban center, etc.

[0073] Preferably, the volume measuring means comprises a plurality of level sensors in the buffer tank and / or comprises a radar system for measuring the volume of the culture solution, and the measuring means further comprises a plurality of sensors for measuring several physicochemical and / or biological parameters of the culture solution such as for example the temperature, the O2, O02 content, the nutrient concentration, the electrical conductance, the pH, etc. Indeed, a plurality of sensors for measuring several physicochemical and / or biological parameters of the culture solution combined with a volume measuring means will make it possible to accurately measure the volume of the culture solution and the physicochemical and / or biological parameters of the culture solution.

[0074] Preferably, the additive adding means comprises a plurality of pumps arranged to regulate a plurality of physicochemical and / or biological parameters of the culture solution, such as for example to regulate the pH of the culture solution and / or to add fertilizers and / or biostimulants and / or nutrients and / or hydrogen peroxide to the culture solution, and / or to add a disinfectant and / or a cleaning agent in order to maintain the chemical and biological cleanliness of the system. Indeed, a plurality of pumps arranged to regulate a plurality of physicochemical and / or biological parameters of the culture solution allows a rapid and precise adaptation of the culture solution to form a suitable culture solution.

[0075] Advantageously, the physicochemical and / or biological parameters of the culture solution measured by the plurality of sensors are identical or similar to the physicochemical and / or biological parameters of the culture solution regulated by the plurality of pumps of the additive adding means.

[0076] Preferably, the device according to the present invention further comprises a discharge conduit in fluid connection with the fluid supply device. Indeed, the discharge conduit makes it possible to eliminate at least a portion of the culture solution which could not be recycled to form a suitable culture solution.

[0077] Preferably, the control means is an electronic control means, more preferably a programmable electronic control means on a printed circuit, preferably an industrial programmable logic controller (API or PLC in English).

[0078] Preferably, the control means and / or the additive adding means has a continuous operating voltage, preferably 12V or 24V.

[0079] Preferably, the buffer tank is a single-piece tank comprising a cylindrical upper part and a conical lower part, the cylindrical upper part being integral and in fluid connection with the conical lower part. Indeed, a cylindrical tank makes it possible to limit the size of the tank for a given volume of the buffer tank, which contributes to having a compact culture device according to the invention. In addition, a conical base is optimal for being able to measure small volumes of culture solution, which will increase the accuracy of the measurements and therefore increase the quality of the adapted culture solution. Preferably, the cylindrical upper part of the buffer tank has a diameter of between 100 and 500 mm, more preferably around 250 mm, and has a height of between 100 mm and 1000 mm, preferably around 350 mm.Preferably, the conical lower part has a height of between 100 mm and 500 mm, more preferably around 250 mm. Advantageously, the device according to the invention comprises a series of valves in operational connection with the control means, the series of valves being arranged to close or open the water source and / or the recirculation loop and / or the discharge conduit.

[0080] Preferably, the suitable culture solution of the series of containers of the plurality of containers is different from the suitable culture solution of another series of containers of the plurality of containers. Indeed, the device according to the present invention makes it possible to cultivate a plurality of different types of plants in which each type of plant is cultivated in a different series of containers so as to have a specific suitable culture solution per series of containers.

[0081] The present invention also relates to an irrigation method for growing plants, in particular for hydroponic growing, comprising in a step E1: an actuation of a draining means for taking a culture solution from a series of containers of a plurality of containers so as to form a taken culture solution. The actuation of the draining means is an actuation by a drain pump. Preferably, the actuation of the draining means for taking the culture solution from a series of containers of a plurality of containers so as to form a taken culture solution has a duration of between 10 seconds and 5 minutes, more preferably around 30 seconds.Preferably, a step of tilting the series of containers of the plurality of containers is prior to and / or concomitant with the actuation of the emptying means so that the volume of the culture solution taken is equal to or greater than 80% of the volume of the culture solution of said series of containers of the plurality of containers, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95%, or even equal to or greater than 99%.

[0082] A step E2 of the method according to the invention comprises a measurement by a measuring means of at least one physicochemical and / or biological parameter of the culture solution taken. The measurement by a measuring means further comprises a measurement of the volume of the culture solution taken.

[0083] A step E3 of the method according to the invention comprises a determination, by a control means, of a deviation between the measurement and a predetermined value. Preferably, the predetermined value is a value of a physicochemical and / or biological parameter optimal for the growth of the plant cultivated in the series of containers of the plurality of containers. More preferably, the predetermined value is a plurality of values ​​of a plurality of physicochemical and / or biological parameters optimal for the growth of the plant cultivated in the series of containers of the plurality of containers. Preferably, steps E2 and E3 of the method according to the invention of measuring and determining a deviation between the measurement and a predetermined value has a duration of between 10 seconds and 5 minutes, more preferably between 60 seconds and 90 seconds.

[0084] A step E4 of the method according to the invention comprises an actuation of a means for adding additives to correct the deviation so as to reach the predetermined value. Preferably, the predetermined value is an optimal value of a physicochemical and / or biological parameter or of a plurality of physicochemical and / or biological parameters. Preferably, step E4 comprising an actuation of a means for adding additives has a duration of between 10 seconds and 5 minutes, more preferably between 60 seconds and 100 seconds.

[0085] A step E5 of the method according to the invention comprises an actuation of a supply means for bringing the suitable culture solution into the series of containers of the plurality of containers. Preferably, step E5 comprising an actuation of a supply means for bringing the suitable culture solution into the series of containers of the plurality of containers has a duration of between 2 seconds and 30 seconds, more preferably around 5 seconds.

[0086] Preferably, steps E1 to E5 of the method according to the present invention represent an irrigation cycle of the series of containers of the plurality of containers. Preferably, the irrigation cycle of each series of gutters of the plurality of gutters has a duration of between 1 minute and 10 minutes, more preferably between 2 minutes and 6 minutes.

[0087] A step E6 of the method according to the invention comprises an actuation of a moving means, in particular a conveyor, to move the plurality of containers so as to form a fluid connection between the emptying means and a series of containers N+1 of the plurality of containers and between the supply means and the series of containers N+1 of the plurality of containers, the series of containers N+1 being adjacent to the series of containers. Preferably, the actuation of the conveyor to move the plurality of containers so as to form a fluid connection between the emptying means and a series of containers N+1 of the plurality of containers and between the supply means and the series of containers N+1 of the plurality of containers has a duration of between 2 seconds and 1 minute, more preferably around 10 seconds.

[0088] A step E7 of the method according to the invention comprises a repetition of steps E1 to E6 in several series of containers of the plurality of containers, preferably all the series of containers of the plurality of containers.

[0089] The present invention also relates to the use of the device for growing plants, more particularly for hydroponic cultivation according to the present invention, for growing plants with high added value such as aromatic and medicinal, ornamental and recreational plants.

[0090] The present invention also relates to a use of the device for growing plants, more particularly for hydroponic cultivation according to the present invention, to obtain a quantity of dry matter from the plant culture so as to extract a molecule of interest from the dry matter.

[0091] The present invention also relates to the use of the device for growing plants, more particularly for hydroponic growing according to the present invention to carry out growing in pots arranged in gutters and irrigated (i) by sub-irrigation in which the growing solution is poured into the gutter in sufficient quantity to saturate the pots until the next irrigation, or (ii) by wick in which a wick, for example a felt, cotton or nylon wick is placed at the bottom of the pot and soaked in the growing solution.

[0092] Examples.-

[0093] Example 1.- Comparison of the rate of fresh matter, dry matter and the ratio of dry matter to fresh matter obtained from a hydroponic culture obtained by implementing the device according to the present invention and a conventional hydroponic device (AeroFlo) manufactured by Terra Aquatica (Biopole 32500 Fleurance, France). The conventional hydroponic device (AeroFlo) consists of a tank in which a water pump is placed, which drives the prepared culture solution through a pipe, allowing the culture solution to be distributed between each of the plants by means of some small nebulizers which spray this culture solution.

[0094] We grew LolloBionda lettuce and Merveille des 4 Saisons lettuce for 30 days in a conventional hydroponic system with permanent circulation (AeroFlo system) and in a device according to the present invention with 18 cm high gutters. The culture solution in the device according to the present invention was adapted every 48 hours.

[0095] After 30 days of cultivation, we then harvested the lettuces and measured the amount of fresh matter harvested (see Table 1 and conditions 1 to 4), the amount of dry matter (see Table 2 and conditions 5 to 8), and calculated the ratio between dry matter and fresh matter (see Table 3 and conditions 9 to 12). Conditions 5 to 8, which represent the dry matter, and conditions 9 to 12, which represent the ratios between dry matter and fresh matter, correspond respectively to conditions 1 to 4, which represent the fresh matter.

[0096] Similarly, Figure 5 shows the amount of fresh matter (Figs. 5E, 5F), the amount of dry matter (Figs. 5C, 5D) and the ratio between the amount of dry matter and the amount of fresh matter (Figs. 5A, 5B) obtained after growing LolloBionda lettuce and after growing Merveille des 4 Saisons lettuce in a conventional hydroponic growing device and in a growing device according to the present invention on a support S1 being Argex (particulate calcined clay), a support S2 being a felt held in a PVC matrix, and a support S3 being a PVC matrix without felt.

[0097] These results show that the ratio between the quantity of dry matter and the quantity of fresh matter harvested is higher for lettuces grown in the device according to the present invention. The device according to the present invention is therefore particularly suitable for hydroponic crops in which a high quantity of dry matter is desired for a given quantity of fresh matter, as is the case, for example, for the production of molecules in indoor conditions on limited surfaces. Table 1: Quantity of fresh matter obtained by a LolloBionda lettuce crop and by a 4-season wonder lettuce crop in the presence of a conventional hydroponic device or a device according to the present invention Table 2: Quantity of dry matter obtained by a LolloBionda lettuce culture and by a 4 seasons wonder lettuce culture in the presence of a conventional hydroponic device or a device according to the present invention Table 3: Ratio between dry matter and fresh matter obtained by a LolloBionda lettuce culture and by a 4 seasons wonder lettuce culture in the presence of a conventional hydroponic device or a device according to the present invention

[0098] It is understood that the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described above and that many modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Device for growing plants, more particularly for hydroponic cultivation comprising: 1) a plurality of containers, formed of at least one series of containers, each container being arranged to contain at least one plant culture, 2) an irrigation or fertigation system (1) comprising: i. a fluid supply device arranged to supply fluid to the plant culture, comprising a supply conduit (1.11), said supply conduit (1.11) having a first end in fluid connection with a water source (1.6) and with a means for adding additives (1.8), said fluid supply device being arranged to adapt a culture solution coming from a series of containers (1.13) and form a suitable culture solution, ii. a measuring means comprising a sensor of a physicochemical and / or biological parameter of the culture solution, iii. a control means (1.9), 3) a valve arranged to close or open the supply conduit, 4) a moving means arranged to effect a relative movement of said plurality of containers with respect to said irrigation or fertigation system, characterized in that the moving means is operatively connected to said irrigation or fertigation system (1) to successively bring a series of containers (1.13) of the plurality of containers to said irrigation or fertigation system (1) or to successively bring said irrigation or fertigation system (1) to a series of containers (1.13) of the plurality of containers and to successively form for each series of containers (1.13) of the plurality of containers a fluid connection between said series of containers (1.13) of the plurality of containers and a second end of said supply conduit (1.1 1 ), said control means (1.9) being in operational connection with said fluid supply device and with said measuring means so as to allow: a measurement by said measuring means of at least one physicochemical and / or biological parameter of the culture solution and a determination of a deviation between said measurement and a predetermined value, an actuation of said additive addition means (1 .8) and / or of said water source (1 .6) to correct said deviation and adapt said culture solution so as to form said adapted culture solution, an opening of the valve so as to bring said adapted culture solution towards said second end of the supply conduit (1 .1 1 ).

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein said moving means is a conveyor (2) arranged to bring said plurality of containers to said irrigation or fertigation system (1).

3. Device according to claim 2, wherein said conveyor (2) comprises tilting means (3.1) arranged to tilt said series of containers (1.13) of the plurality of containers relative to a horizontal surface.

4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said fluid supply device further comprises a buffer tank (1.1) and a recirculation conduit (1.5) forming a recirculation loop with the buffer tank (1.1), said buffer tank (1.1) being in fluid connection with said water source (1.6), said additive adding means (1.8) and the first end of the supply conduit (1.3), and wherein said irrigation or fertigation system (1) further comprises a drain conduit (1.12) arranged to drain the culture solution from the series of containers (1.13) of the plurality of containers, said drain conduit (1.12) being connected to a drain pump (1.14) and having a first end (1.2) in fluid connection with the buffer tank (1.1) and a second end in fluid connection with said series of containers (1.13) of the plurality of containers, said measuring means (1.4) further comprising a volume measuring means (1.15) of the culture solution, and said control means (1.9) being further in operative connection with said drain pump (1.14) and said recirculation conduit (1.5) so as to further enable: 16 an actuation, prior to said measurement, of the drain pump (1.14) to bring the culture solution from said series of containers (1.13) of the plurality of containers to said buffer tank (1.1), a measurement of the volume by said volume measuring means (1.1.5) of the culture solution, said volume measurement being prior to the actuation of said additive addition means (1.8).

5. Device according to claim 4, further comprising a recirculation pump (1.7) in fluid connection with the recirculation loop and being in operational connection with said control means (1.9) so as to allow recirculation of the culture solution in the recirculation conduit (1.5) concomitantly with the actuation of said additive addition means (1.8).

6. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the moving means comprises a guide rail arranged to move the plurality of containers.

7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the displacement means comprises several stages, each stage comprising a guide rail.

8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the additive adding means (1.8) comprises a plurality of pumps arranged to regulate a plurality of physicochemical and / or biological parameters of said culture solution.

9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said volume measuring means (1.15) comprises a plurality of level sensors in the buffer tank and / or comprises a radar system for measuring the volume of the culture solution, and wherein said measuring means further comprises a plurality of sensors for measuring several physicochemical and / or biological parameters of the culture solution such as for example the temperature, the O2, O02 content, the nutrient concentration.

10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an evacuation conduit in fluid connection with said fluid supply device. 1 1. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the control means (1.9) is a programmable electronic control means on a printed circuit.

12. Device according to any one of claims 4 to 11, wherein said buffer tank (1.1) is a single-piece tank comprising a cylindrical upper part and a conical lower part.

13. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a series of valves in operative connection with said control means (1.9), said series of valves being arranged to close or open said water source (1.6) and / or said recirculation conduit (1.5) and / or said discharge conduit.

14. Irrigation method for growing plants, more particularly for hydroponic cultivation comprising: El: an actuation of a draining means for withdrawing a culture solution from a series of containers of a plurality of containers so as to form a withdrawn culture solution, E2: a measurement by a measuring means of at least one physicochemical and / or biological parameter of the culture solution taken, E3: a determination, by a control means, of a deviation between said measurement and a predetermined value, E4: an actuation of a means for adding additives to correct the deviation so as to reach the predetermined value, E5: an actuation of a supply means for bringing said adapted culture solution into said series of containers of the plurality of containers, characterized in that the method further comprises: E6: an actuation of a displacement means to provide relative displacement between (a) the plurality of containers and (b) the emptying means, the supply means and the measuring means so as to form a fluid connection between said emptying means and a series of containers N+1 of said plurality of containers and between said supply means and said series of containers N+1 of said plurality of containers, said series of containers N+1 being adjacent to said series of containers, E7: a repetition of steps E1 to E6 in several series of containers of the plurality of containers, preferably all the series of containers of the plurality of containers, and in that the actuation of said draining means is an actuation by a draining pump, said measurement by a measuring means further comprises a measurement of the volume of the culture solution taken.

15. Method according to claim 14, further comprising a step of tilting said series of containers of the plurality of containers prior to and / or concomitantly with the actuation of said emptying means so that the volume of the culture solution withdrawn is equal to or greater than 80% of the volume of the culture solution of said series of containers of the plurality of containers, preferably at least 90%, or even equal to or greater than 99%.

16. Use of the device for growing plants for hydroponic cultivation according to any one of claims 1 to 13 for growing plants with high added value such as aromatic and medicinal, ornamental and recreational plants.

17. Use of the device for growing plants for hydroponic cultivation according to any one of claims 1 to 13 to obtain a quantity of dry matter from the plant culture so as to extract a molecule of interest from said dry matter.

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