Vertical cultivation system and method for growing plants

Abstract

The invention relates to a vertical cultivation system (1) for growing plants (2). The vertical cultivation system (1) comprises a support wall (11) comprising at least one support opening (111), an irrigation chamber (12), and an irrigation arrangement (13); and the irrigation arrangement (13) comprises a growing liquid reservoir (131), a fog generator (133), and a pressure generator (135) arranged to generate a negative pressure in the irrigation space (125). The invention relates also to a method for growing plants using a vertical cultivation system (1). The method comprises supporting at least one plant (2) in the at least one support opening (111), generating fog from the growing liquid provided in the growing liquid reservoir (131), and arranging a negative pressure in the irrigation space (125) for transferring fog from the growing liquid reservoir (131) to the irrigation space (125).

Description

[0001] VERTICAL CULTIVATION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GROWING PLANTS

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to cultivation of plants, and more particularly to a vertical cultivation system for growing plants. The present invention further concerns a method for growing plants using a vertical cultivation system.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Different cultivation systems allow growing plants by arranging optimal growing conditions for the plants while minimizing the space taken up by growing the plants. Normally, the plants grown in the system are irrigated by aeroponic method, i.e. so that the root part of the plants are suspended in air and the root part is sprayed with growing liquid.

[0006] A problem with the aeroponic method is that the growing liquid needs to be pumped to the spray nozzles, which requires a lot of energy. However, only marginal part of the growing liquid is utilized by the root part of the plant, while the unutilized growing liquid is returned to the growing liquid storage to be pumped again to the spray nozzles. Therefore, there is a lot of energy wasted by circulating the growing liquid by pumping.

[0007] Another problem with the aeroponic method is the high number of mechanical failure points in such systems. If any particulate matter is introduced into the irrigation water, most aeroponic spray nozzles tend to clog easily. Additionally, since most indoor farming applications use a nutrient rich water solution to irrigate the plants, the spray nozzles tend to build up salt deposits, breaking the nozzles over time.

[0008] Another common failure point for the aeroponic method is the pumps that are used to move the growing liquid. Due to the high concentration of salts in the nutrient solution, most pumps experience a decreased lifetime, wasting expensive components while putting the plants at risk from pump failure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a vertical cultivation system for growing plants. Another object of the invention is to provide a method for growing plants using a vertical cultivation system.

[0010] The objects of the invention are achieved by the vertical cultivation system and the method which are characterized by what is stated in the independent claim. The preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.

[0011] The invention is based on the idea of providing a vertical cultivation system for growing plants having an aerial part and a root part, wherein the vertical cultivation system comprises a support wall comprising at least one support opening, wherein the support wall extends transversally in relation to the surface of the ground, and the at least one support opening is arranged to support at least one plant arranged in at least one plant holder in such a way that the at least one plant extends through the at least one support opening in such a way that the aerial part is arranged on a first side of the support wall and the root part is arranged on a second side of the support wall, an irrigation chamber arranged on the second side of the support wall, wherein the irrigation chamber comprises irrigation chamber walls, an irrigation chamber inlet and an irrigation chamber outlet, and the irrigation chamber walls and the support wall defining an irrigation space, and an irrigation arrangement arranged to provide the root part with growing liquid; and the irrigation arrangement comprises a growing liquid reservoir arranged to hold the growing liquid, wherein the growing liquid reservoir is arranged in a fluid connection with the irrigation chamber inlet, a fog generator arranged to generate fog comprising droplets of growing liquid in the growing liquid reservoir, and a pressure generator arranged in a fluid connection with the irrigation chamber outlet, wherein the pressure generator is arranged to generate a negative pressure in the irrigation space.

[0012] The invention is also based on the idea of providing a method for growing plants using a vertical cultivation system above, wherein the method comprises supporting at least one plant arranged in at least one plant holder in the at least one support opening of the support wall in such a way that the plant extends through the at least one support opening in such a way that the aerial part is arranged on the first side of the support wall and the root part is arranged on the second side of the support wall, providing growing liquid in the growing liquid reservoir, generating fog from the growing liquid provided in the growing liquid reservoir using the fog generator, and arranging a negative pressure in the irrigation space using the pressure generator for transferring fog from the growing liquid reservoir to the irrigation space.

[0013] The current invention utilizes fogponics to transport growing liquid to the root part of the plants. An advantage of the invention is that it provides an efficient way to transport growing liquid. Because the growing liquid is formed as small droplets in gas, such as air, i.e. fog, it can be transported by means for transporting gas, for example by a fan. Therefore, no liquid pump is needed. This reduces the energy consumption significantly when compared to aeroponic irrigation.

[0014] Further, fogponic transportation of growing liquid reduces the potential mechanical failure points due to the fact that there are no spray nozzles or pumps that may clog or break, e.g. due to corrosion. This makes the vertical cultivation system more reliable.

[0015] Still further, because the fog is drawn to the irrigation space by using negative pressure arranged in the irrigation space, escaping of the fog from the irrigation space, and the valuable nutrients contained in the fog, for example through the at least one support opening is avoided. As the nutrients are not meant for human consumption, because they may even be poisonous, it is desirable to avoid getting the nutrients in contact with the aerial part of the plants, which is normally the edible part.

[0016] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] In the following, the invention is described in detail by means of preferred embodiments with reference to the enclosed drawings, in which

[0018] Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a vertical cultivation system according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0019] Figure 2 is a schematic side view of a vertical cultivation system according to some embodiments of the invention with plants arranged in plant holders supported by support openings; Figure 3 is a schematic front view of a vertical cultivation system according to some embodiments of the invention; and

[0020] Figure 4 is a schematic side view of a vertical cultivation system according to some embodiments of the invention.

[0021] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Vertical cultivation system

[0023] The invention relates to a vertical cultivation system 1 for growing plants 2. In this context, term "plant" means cultivated plants having chlorophyll, and cultivated fungi. The plants 2 have an aerial part 21 and a root part 22. Preferably, the aerial part 21 is meant for human consumption. In this context, term "vertical" in term "vertical cultivation system" means that the structure supporting the plants extends in vertical direction.

[0024] Support wall

[0025] The vertical cultivation system 1 comprises a support wall 11. The support wall 11 extends transversally in relation to the surface of the ground G, i.e. in the vertical direction. In other words, in the use position, the support wall 11 extends transversally in relation to the surface of the ground G. In this context, term "ground" means the surface on which the vertical cultivation system 1 is supported, such as the ground or a floor of a building. The support wall comprises a first side 112 and a second side 113 opposite the first side 112. Preferably, the support wall 11 has a planar or a curved shape.

[0026] The support wall 11 comprises at least one support opening 111. Preferably, the support wall 11 comprises a plurality of support openings 11. The at least one support opening 111 is arranged to support at least one plant 2 arranged in at least one plant holder 3 in such a way that the at least one plant 2 extends through the at least one support opening 111 in such a way that the aerial part 21 is arranged on the first side 112 of the support wall 11 and the root part 22 is arranged on the second side 113 of the support wall 11. In other words, the at least one support opening 111 is arranged to support the at least one plant holder 3, which in turn is arranged to hold the at least one plant 2. Preferably, each support opening 111 of the plurality of support openings 111 is arranged to support a single plant holder 3, and each plant holder 3 is arranged to hold a single plant 2.

[0027] Irrigation chamber

[0028] The vertical cultivation system 1 comprises an irrigation chamber 12 arranged on the second side 113 of the support wall 11. In other words, the root part 22 of each plant 2 is arranged to extend into the irrigation chamber 12.

[0029] The irrigation chamber 12 comprises irrigation chamber walls 121, 122, 123, 124. The irrigation chamber walls 121, 122, 123, 124 comprise irrigation chamber top wall 121, irrigation chamber bottom wall 122, irrigation chamber back wall 123, and irrigation chamber lateral walls 124. The irrigation chamber walls 121, 122, 123, 124 and the support wall 11 define an irrigation space 125. In other words, the root part 22 of each plant 2 is arranged to extend into the irrigation space 125.

[0030] The irrigation space 125 is closed. In this context, term "closed" means that the irrigation space 125 is enclosed by walls from all sides.

[0031] The irrigation chamber comprises an irrigation chamber inlet 126 and an irrigation chamber outlet 127. The irrigation chamber inlet 126 and the irrigation chamber outlet 127 are in a fluid connection with each other via the irrigation space 125. Preferably, when viewed as a projection in the plane of the support wall 11, the at least one support opening is arranged between the irrigation chamber inlet 126 and the irrigation chamber outlet 127. This is to ensure that the root part 22 of the at least one plant is sufficiently irrigated.

[0032] According to some embodiments, the irrigation chamber inlet 126 comprises a plurality of openings or a single elongated opening. This is to provide an even distribution of irrigation in the irrigation chamber. For example, the irrigation chamber inlet 126 is arranged in one of the irrigation chamber walls 121, 122, 123, 124, such as in the irrigation chamber bottom wall 122, in the irrigation chamber back wall 123, or in at least one of the irrigation chamber lateral walls 124. The irrigation chamber inlet 126 may alternatively or additionally be arranged in a seam between the irrigation chamber bottom wall 122 and the irrigation chamber back wall 123, or in a seam between the irrigation chamber bottom wall 122 and one of the irrigation chamber lateral walls 124. According to some embodiments, the irrigation chamber outlet 127 is arranged in one of the irrigation chamber walls 121, 122, 123, 124, such as in the irrigation chamber top wall 121, in the irrigation chamber back wall 123, or in at least one of the irrigation chamber lateral walls 124. The irrigation chamber outlet 127 may alternatively or additionally be arranged in a seam between the irrigation chamber top wall 121 and the irrigation chamber back wall 123, or in a seam between the irrigation chamber top wall 121 and one of the irrigation chamber lateral walls 124.

[0033] According to some embodiments, the irrigation chamber walls 121, 122, 123, 124 are made of airtight material, and each one of the irrigation chamber walls 121, 122, 123, 124 is connected to the adjacent irrigation chamber wall 121, 122, 123, 124 in airtight manner, excluding the irrigation chamber inlet 126 and / or the irrigation chamber outlet 127. This is to prevent uncontrolled leakage of fog from the irrigation space 125 through the irrigation chamber walls 121, 122, 123, 124 and the seams connecting the irrigation chamber walls 121, 122, 123, 124. This is also to prevent the external air getting in the irrigation space 125 through the irrigation chamber walls 121, 122, 123, 124 and the seams connecting the irrigation chamber walls 121, 122, 123, 124.

[0034] Preferably, the irrigation chamber walls 121, 122, 123, 124 are made of watertight material, and each one of the irrigation chamber walls 121, 122, 123, 124 is connected to the adjacent irrigation chamber wall 121, 122, 123, 124 in watertight manner, excluding the irrigation chamber inlet 126 and / or the irrigation chamber outlet 127. This is to prevent the leakage of any condensed fog through the irrigation chamber walls 121, 122, 123, 124 and the seams connecting the irrigation chamber walls 121, 122, 123, 124.

[0035] Preferably, the irrigation chamber walls 121, 122, 123, 124 made of light impermeable material, and each one of the irrigation chamber walls 121, 122, 123, 124 is connected to the adjacent irrigation chamber wall 121, 122, 123, 124 in a manner that is impermeable to light. This is to prevent light entering in the irrigation space 125 through the irrigation chamber walls 121, 122, 123, 124 and the seams connecting the irrigation chamber walls 121, 122, 123, 124. Irrigation arrangement

[0036] The vertical cultivation system 1 comprises an irrigation arrangement 13. The irrigation arrangement 13 is arranged to provide the root part 22 with growing liquid. The growing liquid is liquid suitable for growing plants. Preferably, the growing liquid comprises water and nutrients dissolved in the water.

[0037] Growing liquid reservoir

[0038] The irrigation arrangement 13 comprises a growing liquid reservoir 131. The growing liquid reservoir 131 is arranged to hold the growing liquid. The growing liquid reservoir 131 comprises a growing liquid reservoir inlet 1311 and a growing liquid reservoir outlet 1312. The growing liquid reservoir 131 encloses a growing liquid storage space 1313. The growing liquid held in the growing liquid reservoir 131 is arranged in the growing liquid storage space 1313. The growing liquid reservoir inlet 1311 and the growing liquid reservoir outlet 1312 are in a fluid connection with each other via the growing liquid storage space 1313.

[0039] The growing liquid reservoir 131 is arranged in a fluid connection with the irrigation chamber inlet 126. For example, the growing liquid reservoir 131 is arranged in a fluid connection with the irrigation chamber inlet 126 via a first conduit 132.

[0040] The growing liquid reservoir inlet 1311 is arranged to allow fluid to flow into the growing liquid storage space 1313 to maintain the pressure state of the growing liquid storage space 1313.

[0041] According to some embodiments, the growing liquid reservoir 131 is arranged below the irrigation chamber 12, as exemplified in Figures 1, 2 and 4. For example, the growing liquid reservoir 131 is arranged in a bottom section of the vertical cultivation system 1. This is to allow any condensed fog to flow by gravitation to the growing liquid reservoir 131.

[0042] Fog generator

[0043] The irrigation arrangement 13 comprises a fog generator 133, i.e. an apparatus for generating fog. The fog generator 133 is arranged to generate fog in the growing liquid reservoir 131 from the growing liquid held in the growing liquid reservoir 131. In this context, term "fog" means mist comprising liquid droplets having a diameter of from less than micrometre to several hundred micrometres suspended in gas, e.g. air. The optional nutrients are dissolved in the liquid, such as water, comprised by the droplets.

[0044] According to some embodiments, the fog generator 133 comprises an ultrasonic atomizer. For example, the ultrasonic atomized comprises a disc, such as a ceramic disc, vibrating at ultrasonic frequency, such as from 20 kHz to 10 MHz, causing the liquid to form small droplets. According to some other embodiments, the fog generator 133 comprises an evaporator. According to still other embodiments, the fog generator 133 comprises a high-pressure nozzle.

[0045] According to some embodiments, the fog generator 133 is arranged in the growing liquid storage space 1313, as exemplified in Figures 1, 2 and 4. According to some embodiments, the fog generator 133 is arranged to float on the surface S of the growing liquid held in the growing liquid reservoir 131, as exemplified in Figures 1, 2 and 4. In this way, the fog generator 133 is provided with growing liquid as long as there is growing liquid in the growing liquid reservoir 131. For example, the fog generator 133 is arranged on a floating platform (not shown in the figures).

[0046] Second conduit

[0047] According to some embodiments, the irrigation arrangement 13 comprises a second conduit 134, as exemplified in Figures 1, 2 and 4. The second conduit 134 is arranged in a fluid connection with the irrigation chamber outlet 127 and the growing liquid reservoir inlet 1311. In other words, the second conduit 134 is arranged to allow fog to flow from the irrigation space 125 to the growing liquid reservoir 131. The second conduit 134 allows recycling of the growing liquid.

[0048] For example, the second conduit 134 is a pipe running between the irrigation chamber outlet 127 and the growing liquid reservoir inlet 1311.

[0049] According to some embodiments, the second conduit 134 is at least partially formed by a second conduit back wall 1341, a second conduit lateral walls 1342, and irrigation chamber back wall 123, as exemplified in Figures 1, 2 and 4. In other words, the second conduit 134 is arranged behind the irrigation chamber 12 in a direction away from the support wall 11. According to some embodiments, the second conduit 134 is arranged to collect condensed fog and to lead collected condensed fog to the growing liquid reservoir 131. This is to allow recycling of the condensed fog.

[0050] Pressure generator

[0051] The irrigation arrangement 13 comprises a pressure generator 135. The pressure generator comprises a suction side 1351 and a pressure side 1352. The pressure generator 135 is arranged to generate a negative pressure in the irrigation space 125. In other words, the pressure generator 135 is arranged to generate a pressure in the irrigation space 125 that is lower than the pressure in the growing liquid reservoir 131, i.e. in the growing liquid storage space 1313. Due to this pressure difference between the irrigation space 125 and the growing liquid reservoir 131, fog is sucked from the growing liquid reservoir to the irrigation space 125.

[0052] The pressure generator 135 is arranged in a fluid connection with the irrigation chamber outlet 127. For example, the pressure generator 135 is arranged at the irrigation chamber outlet 127.

[0053] According to some embodiments, the pressure generator 135 is arranged in the second conduit 134, as exemplified in Figures 1, 2 and 4. In these embodiments, due to the negative pressure generated in the irrigation space 125, fog flows from the growing liquid reservoir 131 through the irrigation space 125 to the second conduit 134. In other words, the pressure generator 135 is arranged to suck fog from the growing liquid reservoir 131 through the irrigation space 125 to the second conduit 134. As the fog passes through the irrigation space 125, the root part 22 of the at least one plant 2 arranged in the at least one plant holder 3 supported by the at least one support opening 111 is provided with growing liquid, i.e. irrigated.

[0054] According to some embodiments, the pressure generator 135 comprises a pump for pumping gas, such as a fan. Preferably, the fan comprises at least one rotatable blade. According to some embodiments, the pressure generator comprises a plurality of pumps for pumping gas, such as fans. This is to achieve sufficient efficiency while avoiding increasing the size of a single pump for pumping gas. According to some embodiments, the second conduit 134 and the pressure generator 135 are arranged to lead fog to the growing liquid reservoir 131. In other words, the growing liquid reservoir 131, the first conduit 132, the irrigation chamber 12 and the second conduit 134 constitute a passage for fog to circulate in the vertical cultivation system. This is to allow recycling of fog that has not condensed.

[0055] According to some embodiments, the pressure generator 135 is arranged to condense fog into condensed fog. For example, the pressure generator is a fan, and the fog is condensed at the at least one blade of the fan.

[0056] According to some embodiments, the second conduit 134 comprises a second conduit outlet 1343 for allowing gas to exit the irrigation arrangement 13, as exemplified in Figure 4. In these embodiments, the second conduit 134 is arranged to collect condensed fog and to lead collected condensed fog to the growing liquid reservoir 131. In these embodiments, the irrigation arrangement 13 comprises an air inlet 136 arranged in a fluid connection with the ambient air and the growing liquid reservoir 131 to replace the gas that has exited the irrigation arrangement 13. In these embodiments, the negative pressure generated by the pressure generator 135 draws ambient air and fog generated by fog generator 133 in the growing liquid reservoir 131 in the irrigation space 125. At least part of the fog is condensed into condensed fog at the pressure generator 135. Simultaneously condensed fog is separated from the ambient air. Condensed fog is collected by the second conduit 134 and lead back to the growing liquid reservoir. Ambient air is vented through the second conduit outlet 1343. In other words, these embodiments relate to an open system.

[0057] According to some alternative embodiments, the vertical cultivation system 1 is closed, i.e. the irrigation chamber 12 and the irrigation arrangement 13 are arranged to circulate gas, including fog generated by the fog generator 133, inside the vertical cultivation system 1, as exemplified in Figures 1 and 2.

[0058] Condensation of the fog may also occur in the irrigation space 125. According to some embodiments, the irrigation chamber bottom wall 122 is arranged to lead liquid received by the irrigation chamber bottom wall 122 towards the irrigation chamber inlet 126. This is to lead the condensed fog back to the growing liquid reservoir 131 through the irrigation chamber inlet 126. This is to allow recycling of fog condensed in the irrigation space 125.

[0059] Growing chamber

[0060] According to some embodiments, the vertical cultivation system 1 comprises a growing chamber 14 arranged on the first side of the of the support wall, as exemplified in Figures 1, 2 and 4. The growing chamber 14 comprises growing chamber walls 141. The growing chamber walls 141 comprise a growing chamber front door 1411. The growing chamber walls 141 and the support wall 11 define a growing space 142. The growing chamber 14 allows controlling the growing environment of the aerial part 21 while the growing chamber front door 1411 provides an access to the at least one plant 2.

[0061] Preferably, the growing chamber walls 141 are transparent or translucent. This is to allow visual inspection of the aerial part 21 and to allow light to reach the aerial part 21.

[0062] Method

[0063] The invention relates also to a method for growing plants using a vertical cultivation system 1 as described above.

[0064] The method comprises supporting at least one plant 2 arranged in at least one plant holder 3 in the at least one support opening 111 of the support wall 11. The plant 2 is supported in the support opening 111 in such a way that the plant 2 extends through the at least one support opening 111. The plant 2 extends through the at least one support opening 111 in such a way that the aerial part 21 is arranged on the first side 112 of the support wall 11 and the root part 22 is arranged on the second side 113 of the support wall 11.

[0065] The method comprises providing growing liquid in the growing liquid reservoir 131. Preferably, the growing liquid comprises water and nutrients dissolved in the water.

[0066] The method comprises generating fog from the growing liquid provided in the growing liquid reservoir 131. The fog is generated using the fog generator 133.

[0067] The method comprises arranging a negative pressure in the irrigation space 125, preferably in the second conduit 134, for transferring fog from the growing liquid reservoir 131 to the irrigation space 125, and preferably onwards to the second conduit 134. The negative pressure is arranged using the pressure generator 135. In other words, the pressure in the irrigation space 125 is lower than the pressure in the growing liquid reservoir 131, i.e. in the growing liquid storage space 1313. This pressure difference causes the fog in the growing liquid reservoir 131 to flow towards the lower pressure, i.e. to the irrigation space 125, and preferably onwards to the second conduit 134.

[0068] According to some embodiments, the method comprises leading fog from the irrigation space 125 to the growing liquid reservoir 131C. In other words, the fog is circulated in the vertical cultivation system 1. Returning fog to the growing liquid reservoir 125 prevents wasting growing liquid and therefore reduces the need to provide more growing liquid in the growing liquid reservoir 125.

[0069] In some circumstances, a part of the fog may condense at the pressure generator 135. According to some embodiments, the method comprises leading condensed fog from the pressure generator 135 to the growing liquid reservoir 131. Preferably, the fog is lead via the second conduit 134. This allows the reuse of the growing liquid in the condensed fog for generating fog.

[0070] According to some embodiments, the method comprises condensing fog in the second conduit 134 to obtain condensed fog and gas. Preferably, fog is condensed by the pressure generator 135. In these embodiments, the method comprises leading condensed fog from the second conduit 134 to the growing liquid reservoir 131. Preferably, condensed fog is led by the second conduit 134. The method further comprises venting the gas from the vertical cultivation system 1. Preferably, gas is vented by the second conduit outlet 1343. In other words, only the liquid part of the fog, i.e. the growing liquid, is circulated in the vertical cultivation system 1.

[0071] The fog may condense in the irrigation space 125 during irrigation of the root part 22. According to some embodiments, the method comprises leading condensed fog from the irrigation space 125 to the growing liquid reservoir 131. For example, the condensed fog is lead through the irrigation chamber inlet 126. Preferably, the irrigation chamber bottom wall 122 is arranged to lead condensed fog received to the irrigation chamber bottom wall 122 towards the irrigation chamber inlet 126. According to some embodiments, the method comprises heating growing liquid in the growing liquid reservoir 131 using heat generated by the fog generator 133. This is to improve the energy efficiency of the vertical cultivation system 1 by reducing the need for separate heating of growing liquid. The invention has been described above with reference to the examples shown in the figures. However, the invention is in no way restricted to the above examples but may vary within the scope of the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A vertical cultivation system (1) for growing plants (2) having an aerial part (21) and a root part (22), c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the vertical cultivation system (1) comprises- a support wall (11) comprising at least one support opening (111), wherein the support wall (11) extends transversally in relation to the surface of the ground (G), and the at least one support opening (111) is arranged to support at least one plant (2) arranged in at least one plant holder (3) in such a way that the at least one plant (2) extends through the at least one support opening (111) in such a way that the aerial part (21) is arranged on a first side (112) of the support wall (11) and the root part (22) is arranged on a second side (113) of the support wall (11), an irrigation chamber (12) arranged on the second side (113) of the support wall (11), wherein the irrigation chamber (12) comprises irrigation chamber walls (121, 122, 123, 124), an irrigation chamber inlet (126) and an irrigation chamber outlet (127), and the irrigation chamber walls (121, 122, 123, 124) and the support wall (11) defining an irrigation space (125), and an irrigation arrangement (13) arranged to provide the root part (22) with growing liquid; and the irrigation arrangement (13) comprises a growing liquid reservoir (131) arranged to hold the growing liquid, wherein the growing liquid reservoir (131) is arranged in a fluid connection with the irrigation chamber inlet (126),-- a fog generator (133) arranged to generate fog comprising droplets of growing liquid in the growing liquid reservoir (131), and a pressure generator (135) arranged in a fluid connection with the irrigation chamber outlet (127), wherein the pressure generator (135) is arranged to generate a negative pressure in the irrigation space (125).

2. The vertical cultivation system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the irrigation arrangement (13) comprises a second conduit (134) arranged in a fluid connection with the irrigation chamber outlet (127) and the growing liquid reservoir inlet (1311).

3. The vertical cultivation system (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the second conduit (134) and the pressure generator (135) are arranged to lead fog and condensed fog to the growing liquid reservoir (131).

4. The vertical cultivation system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the fog generator (133) comprises an ultrasonic atomizer.

5. The vertical cultivation system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fog generator (133) is arranged in the growing liquid storage space (1313).

6. The vertical cultivation system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure generator (135) comprises a gas pump, such as a fan.

7. The vertical cultivation system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the irrigation chamber inlet 126 comprises a plurality of openings or a single elongated opening.

8. The vertical cultivation system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the growing liquid reservoir (131) is arranged below the irrigation chamber (12).

9. The vertical cultivation system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure generator (135) is arranged to condense fog into condensed fog; the second conduit (134) comprises a second conduit outlet (1343) for allowing gas to exit the irrigation arrangement (13);- the second conduit (134) is arranged to collect condensed fog; and the second conduit (134) is arranged to lead collected condensed fog to the growing liquid reservoir (131).

10. A method for growing plants using a vertical cultivation system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method comprises- supporting at least one plant (2) arranged in at least one plant holder (3) in the at least one support opening (111) of the support wall (11) in such a way that the plant (2) extends through the at least one support opening(111) in such a way that the aerial part (21) is arranged on the first side(112) of the support wall (11) and the root part (22) is arranged on the second side (113) of the support wall (11), providing growing liquid in the growing liquid reservoir (131), generating fog from the growing liquid provided in the growing liquid reservoir (131) using the fog generator (133), and arranging a negative pressure in the irrigation space (125) using the pressure generator (135) for transferring fog from the growing liquid reservoir (131) to the irrigation space (125).

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that the method comprises leading fog from the irrigation space (125) to the growing liquid reservoir (131).

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the method comprises leading condensed fog from the pressure generator (135) to the growing liquid reservoir (131).

13. The method according to claims 10 and 12, characterized in that the method comprises condensing fog in the second conduit (134) to obtain condensed fog and gas, leading condensed fog from the second conduit (134) to the growing liquid reservoir (131), and- venting the gas from the vertical cultivation system (1).

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the method comprises heating growing liquid in the growing liquid reservoir (131) using heat generated by the fog generator (133).

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