Apparatus for cultivating fruiting plant, and method for cultivating fruiting plant

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a method for cultivating a fruiting plant, which makes it possible to harvest fruits having higher sugar contents than ever before. [Solution] Provided are: an apparatus for cultivating a fruiting plant, the apparatus being provided with a light source for emitting artificial light, a hydroponic cultivation mechanism for a fruiting plant, a decomposition liquid production means for decomposing residues of the fruiting plant to produce a decomposition liquid, and a decomposition liquid supply means for supplying the decomposition liquid to the hydroponic cultivation mechanism; and a use of the apparatus.

Description

Fruit and vegetable plant cultivation device and fruit and vegetable plant cultivation method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cultivation device for fruit and vegetable plants and a cultivation method for fruit and vegetable plants.

[0002] In recent years, in response to global environmental issues such as global warming, there has been a demand for a shift to an environmentally friendly, recycling-oriented society. In a recycling-oriented society, it is expected that waste will be reduced by reusing and recycling things that have previously been discarded, and that sustainable production will be achieved by circulating resources.

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-42960 describes a method for producing a nutrient solution for plant cultivation using organic matter, characterized in that inorganic fertilizer components are produced by combining the first and second steps described below. The first step is a step in which the organic matter is placed in a highly breathable bag or container such as a bag-shaped net, and if it has little moisture, it is soaked in water and the organic matter is mineralized by the action of microorganisms. The second step is a step in which inorganic components and fine organic matter are extracted from the first step and placed in a container containing water so that the electrical conductivity of the water (nutrient solution) reaches a target value, and the water is aerated to promote nitrification by the action of microorganisms and mineralize the organic matter.

[0004] Regarding the utilization of cultivation residues, methods of using them as fertilizer, such as those described in Patent Document 1, have been investigated. However, the majority of cultivation residues (e.g., inedible parts) from harvested crops are still discarded without being utilized. One possible reason for the lack of progress in utilization is that, in the mineralization method of cultivation residues described in Patent Document 1, decomposition and elution of the parts that are easily decomposed by microorganisms proceeds first, resulting in fluctuations in the composition of the fertilizer produced. Fluctuations in fertilizer composition affect plant growth and make it difficult to produce vegetables of consistent quality, so vegetable producers are reluctant to adopt this method.

[0005] Furthermore, in artificial light plant factories, the growth of plants is controlled by precisely controlling the cultivation environment, so the nutrient solution components must be the same for each cultivation. Therefore, a method for producing fertilizer from cultivation residues with minimal component variation is required.

[0006] The problem to be solved by one embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a fruit and vegetable plant cultivation device and a fruit and vegetable plant cultivation method that effectively utilize cultivation residues.

[0007] The present disclosure includes the following aspects. <1> A cultivation device for fruit and vegetable plants, comprising: a light source that irradiates artificial light; a hydroponic cultivation mechanism for fruit and vegetable plants; decomposition solution generating means that decomposes residues of the fruit and vegetable plants to obtain a decomposition solution; and decomposition solution supplying means that supplies the decomposition solution to the hydroponic cultivation mechanism. <2> The cultivation device for fruit and vegetable plants according to <1>, in which the decomposition solution contains at least one element selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and sulfur. <3> The cultivation device for fruit and vegetable plants according to <1> or <2>, in which the decomposition solution generating means obtains the decomposition solution by recovering phosphorus and potassium from the residues of the fruit and vegetable plants at a recovery rate of 60% or more, respectively. <4> The cultivation device for fruit and vegetable plants according to any one of <1> to <3>, in which the fruit and vegetable plants are tomatoes. <5> A method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants, comprising: a step of irradiating artificial light to hydroponically cultivate the fruit and vegetable plants; a step of decomposing residues of the fruit and vegetable plants to obtain a decomposition solution; and a step of supplying the decomposition solution to a hydroponic cultivation mechanism that performs hydroponic cultivation.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a fruit vegetable plant cultivation device and a fruit vegetable plant cultivation method that effectively utilize cultivation residues are provided.

[0009] Fig. 1 is a graph showing the results of a decomposition test of cultivation residues. Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of the cultivation device for fruit and vegetable plants of the present disclosure.

[0010] Modes for carrying out the present disclosure are described in detail below. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments. In the following embodiments, components (including element steps, etc.) are not essential unless otherwise specified. The same applies to numerical values ​​and their ranges, and do not limit the present disclosure. In this disclosure, numerical ranges indicated using "to" include the numerical values ​​before and after "to" as the minimum and maximum values, respectively. In numerical ranges described in stages in this disclosure, the upper or lower limit of one numerical range may be replaced with the upper or lower limit of another numerical range described in stages. Furthermore, in numerical ranges described in this disclosure, the upper or lower limit of that numerical range may be replaced with a value shown in the Examples. In this disclosure, the term "process" includes not only independent processes, but also processes that cannot be clearly distinguished from other processes as long as the intended purpose of the process is achieved. In this disclosure, "fruit vegetable plant" means a plant that produces fruit. In this disclosure, "fruit vegetable plant body" means a growing fruit vegetable plant. The term "fruit vegetable plant seedling" refers to a fruit vegetable plant in the seedling stage. In the present disclosure, the term "culture solution" refers to a solution in which nutrients (inorganic and organic substances) necessary for plant growth are dissolved in water or the like.

[0011] [Fruit and vegetable plant cultivation device] The fruit and vegetable plant cultivation device according to the present disclosure includes a light source that irradiates artificial light, a hydroponic cultivation mechanism for fruit and vegetable plants, a decomposition solution generating means that decomposes residues of the fruit and vegetable plants to obtain a decomposition solution, and a decomposition solution supplier that supplies the decomposition solution to the hydroponic cultivation mechanism.

[0012] Fertilizers are typically used in the cultivation of fruit and vegetable plants for productivity reasons. For example, various fertilizers are applied in soil cultivation, but much of the applied fertilizer is not absorbed by the fruit and vegetable plants and instead flows out of the soil into rivers. Furthermore, conventionally, cultivation residues, such as inedible parts of harvested fruit and vegetable plants (e.g., tomato leaves, stems, and roots; strawberry leaves, stems, and roots), are discarded despite containing the components of the fertilizer. In contrast, the fruit and vegetable cultivation device disclosed herein employs hydroponic cultivation, thereby reducing the waste of fertilizer components that would otherwise flow into rivers. Furthermore, by supplying a decomposition solution obtained by decomposing fruit and vegetable residues to a hydroponic cultivation mechanism, components similar to the fertilizer components contained in the fruit and vegetable residues can be reused for hydroponic cultivation of fruit and vegetable plants. In particular, the fruit and vegetable cultivation device disclosed herein is equipped with a light source that emits artificial light, thereby ensuring stable growth of fruit and vegetable plants. Therefore, the concentration fluctuations of inorganic components contained in the fruit and vegetable residues are minimal. Therefore, when using the residue decomposition solution for hydroponic cultivation of fruit and vegetable plants, it is easy to adjust the inorganic components necessary for cultivation. In this way, the fruit and vegetable cultivation device according to the present disclosure can effectively utilize fruit and vegetable residues that have traditionally been discarded.

[0013] On the other hand, JP-A-2022-42960 does not describe a light source that irradiates artificial light, and is insufficient in terms of suppressing fluctuations in the concentration of inorganic components.

[0014] <Fruit Vegetable Plants> Fruit vegetable plants are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include Solanaceae plants such as tomato, eggplant, and bell pepper; Cucurbitaceae plants such as melon, cucumber, pumpkin, and zucchini; Leguminaceae plants such as kidney bean, pea, and broad bean; Rosaceae plants such as strawberry; Malvaceae plants such as okra; and Gramineae plants such as corn.

[0015] In particular, the fruit vegetable plant cultivation device according to the present disclosure is suitable for Solanaceae plants or Cucurbitaceae plants. The fruit vegetable plant cultivated in the cultivation device according to the present disclosure is preferably a Solanaceae plant or a Cucurbitaceae plant, more preferably a tomato or a melon, and even more preferably a tomato.

[0016] Tomatoes include midi tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, fruit tomatoes, etc. Melons include netted melons such as green-fleshed and red-fleshed varieties, and non-netted melons.

[0017] Tomatoes have a higher proportion of inedible parts than leafy vegetables such as lettuce and cabbage. Traditionally, inedible parts of tomatoes, such as leaves, stems, and roots, have been discarded. By reusing these inedible parts and other residues, the amount of fertilizer newly added to the cultivation equipment can be significantly reduced.

[0018] Hereinafter, each configuration of the fruit vegetable plant cultivation device according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 2 .

[0019] Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of the cultivation device for fruit and vegetable plants of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 2, the cultivation device 100 includes a light source 11 that irradiates artificial light, a hydroponic cultivation mechanism including a nutrient solution storage tank 21 and a nutrient solution tank 22, a decomposition solution generator 31 that decomposes fruit and vegetable residues 30 to obtain a decomposition solution, and a decomposition solution supply pipe 41 that supplies the decomposition solution to the hydroponic cultivation mechanism. The cultivation device 100 further includes a decomposition solution storage tank 34 that stores the decomposition solution.

[0020] <Light Source> The fruit and vegetable cultivation device according to the present disclosure includes a light source that emits artificial light. The light source is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include semiconductor light sources such as LEDs (light-emitting diodes) and discharge lamps such as fluorescent lamps. From the viewpoint of suppressing heat generation from the light source, the light source is preferably an LED.

[0021] The type of LED may be one type or two or more types. The LED may emit visible light such as red, blue, or green, or may emit ultraviolet light (wavelength 380 nm or less) or infrared light (wavelength 780 nm or more). Among these, LEDs emitting in the wavelength range of 400 nm to 700 nm are preferred from the viewpoint of promoting photosynthesis in fruit and vegetable plants. Furthermore, increasing fruit yield per plant is important in terms of improving energy efficiency and space utilization efficiency. From this viewpoint, the combined use of red and blue LEDs is more preferred. In particular, the selection of light source wavelength during the seedling raising period of the fruit and vegetable plant cultivation period contributes to the increase or decrease of fruit yield, so it is preferable to use red and blue LEDs during the seedling raising period. This can be expected to result in increased yield compared to, for example, a seedling raising period using white LEDs.

[0022] The position of the light source is not particularly limited, and the light source may be disposed, for example, on at least one of the top surface and side surface of the fruit vegetable plant. As shown in Figure 2, from the viewpoint of space utilization efficiency, the light source 11 is preferably disposed on the side surface of the fruit vegetable plant 10. For example, a plurality of light sources are disposed at equal intervals on both side surfaces of the fruit vegetable plant in a direction parallel to the direction of gravity.

[0023] <Hydroponic Cultivation Mechanism> The fruit and vegetable plant cultivation device according to the present disclosure includes a hydroponic cultivation mechanism.

[0024] The hydroponic cultivation mechanism is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include conventionally known hydroponic cultivation methods such as flooded liquid hydroponic cultivation, thin film hydroponic cultivation, drip hydroponic cultivation, spray hydroponic cultivation, and Ebb & Flow cultivation.

[0025] As shown in Figure 2, the hydroponic cultivation mechanism preferably includes a nutrient solution storage tank 21 and a nutrient solution tank 22. The nutrient solution storage tank 21 stores the nutrient solution to be supplied to the nutrient solution tank 22. By connecting the nutrient solution storage tank 21 and the nutrient solution tank 22 with a nutrient solution supply pipe 23, the nutrient solution stored in the nutrient solution storage tank 21 can be sent to the nutrient solution tank 22. The nutrient solution tank 22 stores the nutrient solution in which the roots of the fruit vegetable plants are immersed. The stored nutrient solution is absorbed by the roots into the fruit vegetable plants.

[0026] The components contained in the culture solution are not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of promoting the growth of fruit and vegetable plants, it is preferable that the culture solution contains at least one selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and sulfur. Since the fruit and vegetable plant cultivation device of the present disclosure includes a decomposition solution generating means described below, the culture solution is the decomposition solution obtained by the decomposition solution generating means, or a liquid after the components of the decomposition solution have been adjusted. Note that, before the fruit and vegetable plant residue is decomposed by the decomposition solution generating means, a commonly known culture solution may be used.

[0027] <Decomposition Solution Producing Means> The fruit and vegetable plant cultivation device according to the present disclosure includes a decomposition solution producing means that decomposes residues of fruit and vegetable plants to obtain a decomposition solution.

[0028] The decomposition liquid generating means is preferably a so-called elimination type processor, which is a processor that produces a decomposition liquid by decomposing fruit and vegetable residues using microorganisms.

[0029] The decomposition liquid generator 31 shown in Fig. 2 has an inlet (not shown) into which the fruit and vegetable residue 30, microorganisms, etc. can be introduced. The decomposition liquid generator 31 also has an agitator 32 for agitating the fruit and vegetable residue 30 so that the fruit and vegetable residue 30 is decomposed uniformly.

[0030] Decomposition of fruit and vegetable residues using microorganisms is carried out, for example, by the following method. The residues and a fungal bed are placed in a decomposition liquid generator 31, and the mixture is stirred by rotating an agitator 32. The stirring may be carried out continuously or intermittently. Water is also supplied to the decomposition liquid generator 31 during stirring. The amount of water supplied is adjusted according to the concentration of liquid fertilizer required for cultivation. The type of microorganism is not particularly limited, and an example is Bacillus subtilis, a soil bacterium.

[0031] Inside the decomposition liquid generator 31, a mesh plate is provided to trap solid matter so that only the decomposition liquid flows into the decomposition liquid storage tank 34.

[0032] The decomposition liquid storage tank 34 is a tank that temporarily stores the decomposition liquid generated in the decomposition liquid generator 31. The decomposition liquid generated in the decomposition liquid generator 31 is sent to the decomposition liquid storage tank 34 via the decomposition liquid supply pipe 33.

[0033] The resulting decomposition solution preferably contains at least one element selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and sulfur. Supplying the decomposition solution containing these elements to the hydroponic cultivation mechanism promotes the growth of fruit and vegetable plants. Furthermore, the ratio of each component contained in the decomposition solution obtained from the decomposition solution generating means is close to the ratio of each component contained in the culture solution. While the ratio of each component contained in the culture solution is important for the growth of fruit and vegetable plants, it is easy to adjust the components when supplying the decomposition solution to the hydroponic cultivation mechanism.

[0034] In the decomposition liquid generating means, it is preferable that the recovery rates of phosphorus and potassium from the residue of fruit and vegetable plants are each 60% or more. Since the recovery rates of phosphorus and potassium, which are particularly necessary for the growth of fruit and vegetable plants, are 60% or more, the residue, which has conventionally been discarded, is highly useful.

[0035] The recovery rate is calculated from the phosphorus and potassium contents in the residue of the fruit and vegetable plant and the phosphorus and potassium contents in the decomposition solution. The phosphorus and potassium contents can be measured using ion chromatography.

[0036] <Decomposition Solution Supplying Means> The fruit and vegetable plant cultivation device according to the present disclosure includes a decomposition solution supplying means that supplies a decomposition solution to the hydroponic cultivation mechanism.

[0037] The decomposition liquid supplying means is not particularly limited as long as it is a device that can supply the decomposition liquid obtained by the decomposition liquid generating means to the hydroponic cultivation mechanism. Examples of the decomposition liquid supplying means include a distribution pipe (equipped with, for example, a pump) that connects the decomposition liquid generating means and the hydroponic cultivation mechanism and distributes the decomposition liquid.

[0038] In the cultivation device 100 shown in Fig. 2, the decomposition liquid stored in the decomposition liquid storage tank 34 is sent to the culture solution storage tank 21 via a decomposition liquid supply pipe 41. A valve V1 is provided in the decomposition liquid supply pipe 41 so that the liquid can be sent from the decomposition liquid storage tank 34 to the culture solution storage tank 21 at a desired timing.

[0039] In the decomposition solution storage tank 34, each component contained in the decomposition solution may be analyzed in advance, and some component may be added to the decomposition solution to match the components of the culture solution, and the solution after the component adjustment may be supplied to the culture solution storage tank 21. An example of the component to be added is nitrogen. Water may also be added to bring the electrical conductivity of the culture solution into an appropriate range.

[0040] It is preferable that the fruit and vegetable plant cultivation device according to the present disclosure further includes a mechanism for controlling temperature and humidity, light intensity of the light source, light-dark cycle, carbon dioxide concentration, etc.

[0041] [Method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants] The method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to the present disclosure includes a step of irradiating artificial light and hydroponically cultivating the fruit and vegetable plants, a step of decomposing residues of the fruit and vegetable plants to obtain a decomposition solution, and a step of supplying the decomposition solution to a hydroponic cultivation mechanism.

[0042] <Cultivation Step> In the cultivation step, artificial light is irradiated.

[0043] Temperature conditions can be adjusted using an air conditioner installed in the hydroponic cultivation mechanism in which fruit and vegetable plants are grown. For example, temperature conditions can be adjusted to two or more types, light period temperature and dark period temperature, in conjunction with light conditions. From the viewpoints of cultivation efficiency, high sugar content, etc., the upper limit of the light period temperature is preferably 29°C or lower, more preferably 28.5°C or lower, and even more preferably 28°C or lower. From the viewpoints of cultivation efficiency, high sugar content, etc., the lower limit of the light period temperature is preferably 15°C or higher, more preferably 20°C or higher, and even more preferably 25°C or higher.

[0044] From the viewpoints of cultivation efficiency, achieving high sugar content, etc., the upper limit of the dark period temperature is preferably 25° C. or lower, more preferably 23° C. or lower, and even more preferably 22° C. or lower. From the viewpoints of cultivation efficiency, achieving high sugar content, etc., the lower limit of the dark period temperature is preferably 10° C. or higher, more preferably 13° C. or higher, and even more preferably 15° C. or higher.

[0045] The light and dark temperatures are measured by placing a thermometer 1 cm away from the fruit vegetable plant. As the thermometer, for example, a temperature and humidity sensor THA-3151 manufactured by T&D Co., Ltd. can be used.

[0046] In the present disclosure, the term "light period" refers to a period during which a fruit vegetable plant is irradiated with a light source, and the term "dark period" refers to a period during which a fruit vegetable plant is not irradiated with a light source.

[0047] The method for controlling the light and dark temperature is not particularly limited and can be carried out by a conventionally known method. For example, the light and dark temperature can be controlled by monitoring the light and dark temperatures in the seedling raising environment using the thermometer and blowing hot or cold air as needed.

[0048] From the viewpoints of cultivation efficiency, high sugar content, etc., the ratio of light period time to dark period time (light period time / dark period time) is preferably 0.5 to 5, more preferably 1 to 4, and even more preferably 2 to 3.

[0049] From the viewpoint of cultivation efficiency, high sugar content, etc., the relative humidity during the cultivation process is preferably controlled to 50% to 80%, and more preferably 55% to 77%.

[0050] The relative humidity is measured by placing a hygrometer 1 cm away from the fruit or vegetable plant. As the hygrometer, for example, a temperature and humidity sensor THA-3151 manufactured by T&D Co., Ltd. can be used.

[0051] The method for controlling humidity is not particularly limited and can be carried out by a conventionally known method. For example, humidity conditions can be controlled by monitoring the humidity of the cultivation environment with the above-mentioned hygrometer and, if necessary, using an air conditioner having a humidifying function and a dehumidifying function.

[0052] From the viewpoint of cultivation efficiency and high sugar content, the light intensity of the artificial light irradiated onto the fruit vegetable plant body in the cultivation process is set to 200 μmol / m ２ / s~800μmol / m ２ / s, and 250 μmol / m ２ / s~600μmol / m ２ It is more preferable that the ratio is / s.

[0053] The light intensity is measured by placing a measuring device 1 cm away from the fruit or vegetable plant with the light receiving surface facing the light source. For example, a photon sensor (LI-190R, manufactured by LI-COR) can be used as the measuring device. When light sources are placed in two or more directions from the fruit or vegetable plant, the sum of the light intensities measured by placing the measuring device facing each light source is defined as the light intensity.

[0054] The light intensity can be controlled by changing the type and number of light sources (LEDs, fluorescent lights, etc.) used, changing the distance between the light source and the fruit vegetable plant, or using a dimmable light source.

[0055] Artificial light may be irradiated from above or from the side of the fruit vegetable plant, but is preferably irradiated from the side from the viewpoint of cultivation efficiency, space utilization efficiency, etc. Artificial light may also be irradiated from both the side and above.

[0056] From the viewpoint of increasing the yield, the carbon dioxide concentration in the environment during the cultivation step is preferably 300 ppm by volume to 2000 ppm by volume, and more preferably 400 ppm by volume to 1500 ppm by volume.

[0057] The carbon dioxide concentration is measured by placing a carbon dioxide concentration meter 1 cm away from the fruit or vegetable plant. As the carbon dioxide concentration meter, for example, the LI-850 manufactured by LI-COR Corporation can be used.

[0058] The method for controlling the carbon dioxide concentration is not particularly limited and can be carried out by a conventionally known method, for example, by monitoring the carbon dioxide concentration in the environment using the carbon dioxide concentration meter and, if necessary, by using an air conditioner or the like.

[0059] <Seedling raising step> The method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants of the present disclosure can include a seedling raising step, in which the germinated fruit and vegetable plants are grown into fruit and vegetable seedlings.

[0060] From the viewpoint of cultivation efficiency, it is preferable to raise seedlings of fruit and vegetable plants by the hydroponic method, and it is more preferable to raise seedlings by the submerged hydroponic method.

[0061] From the viewpoint of cultivation efficiency, it is preferable to use a culture solution having a nitrogen concentration of more than 10 ppm by mass in the seedling raising step.

[0062] In the seedling raising process, light and dark periods can be switched by irradiating the germinating fruit and vegetable plants with artificial light, and it is preferable to adjust the temperature conditions between the light and dark periods. For example, two or more temperature conditions, light temperature and dark temperature, can be adjusted. From the viewpoint of shortening the period until bud formation, the upper limit of the light period temperature is preferably 29°C or less, more preferably 28.5°C or less, and even more preferably 28°C or less. From the viewpoint of shortening the period until bud formation, the lower limit of the light period temperature is preferably 15°C or more, more preferably 20°C or more, and even more preferably 25°C or more. From the viewpoint of shortening the period until bud formation, the upper limit of the dark period temperature is preferably 25°C or less, more preferably 23°C or less, and even more preferably 22°C or less. From the viewpoint of shortening the period until bud formation, the lower limit of the dark period temperature is preferably 10°C or more, more preferably 13°C or more, and even more preferably 15°C or more. The light source, wavelength, etc. of the artificial light can be those described in the cultivation process.

[0063] From the viewpoint of cultivation efficiency, high sugar content, etc., the ratio of light period time to dark period time (light period time / dark period time) is preferably 0.3 to 3, and more preferably 0.5 to 2.

[0064] From the viewpoint of cultivation efficiency, high sugar content, etc., the relative humidity during the seedling raising process is preferably controlled to 50% to 80%, and more preferably 55% to 77%.

[0065] From the viewpoint of cultivation efficiency and high sugar content, the light intensity of the artificial light irradiated onto the fruit vegetable plants after germination in the seedling raising process is set to 200 μmol / m ２ / s~800μmol / m ２ / s, and 250 μmol / m ２ / s~600μmol / m ２ It is more preferable that the ratio is / s.

[0066] Artificial light may be irradiated from above or from the side of the germinated fruit vegetable plant, but from the above is preferred from the viewpoints of cultivation efficiency, space utilization efficiency, etc. Artificial light may also be irradiated from both the side and above.

[0067] From the viewpoint of shortening the time until harvest, the carbon dioxide concentration in the environment during the seedling raising step is preferably 300 ppm by volume to 2000 ppm by volume, and more preferably 400 ppm by volume to 1500 ppm by volume.

[0068] The period of the seedling raising process is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of growth after planting and shortening the time until bud formation, it is preferably 5 to 40 days, more preferably 10 to 35 days, even more preferably 12 to 30 days, and particularly preferably 15 to 30 days.

[0069] When the seedling raising process is carried out using the hydroponic method, the support for supporting the fruit vegetable plants after germination is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to use a material that has both moderate water permeability and water retention, and more preferable are support stands provided with urethane sponges, phenolic resin sponges, rock wool, and water-retaining sheets.

[0070] <Germination step> The method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to the present disclosure can include a germination step, in which seeds of fruit and vegetable plants to be used in the germination step are germinated.

[0071] The germination method is not particularly limited and can be carried out by a conventionally known method. For example, germination can be carried out by sowing seeds of fruit and vegetable plants on a support that has been sufficiently moistened with water and storing the seeds in a dark place. Examples of the support include supports similar to those used in the seedling raising process.

[0072] It is also preferable to select seeds of fruit and vegetable plants that have been confirmed to have germinated and have similar growth rates, and then raise the seedlings. This allows the fruit to be harvested at the same time, improving cultivation efficiency.

[0073] The temperature for the germination process varies depending on the type and variety of fruit and vegetable plant used, but for commercially available seeds, this is generally disclosed as the germination temperature. Furthermore, if the germination temperature is unknown, it can be confirmed experimentally. Furthermore, depending on the type and variety of fruit and vegetable plant used, some require treatment such as breaking dormancy before germination. During the germination process, some require light of a specific wavelength, while others require darkness, and some will germinate in either case. These can also be determined in the same way as the germination temperature.

[0074] The relative humidity during the germination process is preferably 70% to 100%, and particularly preferably 80% to 95%. By keeping the humidity within this range, it is possible to prevent the plant body from drying out during the germination period and ensure good growth.

[0075] The period required for the germination process is not fixed, but is preferably the period from root formation to the start of subsequent hypocotyl elongation, which is generally several days to one week. By allocating this period to the germination process, the roots can grow sufficiently and excessive hypocotyl elongation can be avoided, resulting in good seedling growth in the subsequent seedling raising process and shortening the period until flowering.

[0076] <Decomposition Step> The cultivation method for fruit and vegetable plants according to the present disclosure includes a step of decomposing residues of fruit and vegetable plants to obtain a decomposition solution. Examples of the method for decomposing residues of fruit and vegetable plants to obtain a decomposition solution include a method using the decomposition solution generating means described above. Details of the decomposition solution are as described above.

[0077] The method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to the present disclosure includes a step of supplying a decomposition solution to a hydroponic cultivation mechanism. By supplying the decomposition solution to the hydroponic cultivation mechanism and performing hydroponic cultivation, residues of fruit and vegetable plants are effectively utilized.

[0078] The above embodiment will be specifically described below using examples, but the above embodiment is not limited to these examples.

[0079] Example 1 Tomato seeds (variety: Momotaro York (registered trademark)) were sown on a 5 cm square urethane sponge (Kyowa Co., Ltd., yellow fruit and vegetable medium) sufficiently saturated with pure water, and stored in the dark at a temperature of 28°C and a relative humidity of 70% for 3 days. After rooting of the tomato seeds was confirmed, the seedlings were grown for 17 days using a submerged hydroponic culture system. Liquid fertilizer used was Kyowa Co., Ltd.'s Home Hyponica diluted 500 times with pure water. The light source used during the seedling raising period was an LED (CIVILIGHT, DPT2RB120Q33) manufactured by Showa Denko, with a light intensity of 250 μmol / m on the top surface of the urethane sponge. ２ Other environmental conditions during seedling raising were set as follows:

[0080] - Seedling raising environmental conditions - Light / dark cycle: 16 hours (light) / 8 hours (dark) - Temperature: 27°C (light) / 19°C (dark) - Relative humidity: 70% - Carbon dioxide concentration: 1,000 ppm - Distance between plants: 15 cm

[0081] Ten tomato seedlings obtained by the above seedling raising method were grown under the cultivation conditions shown below. During the growing period, the plants were trained to a single stem and trained according to the standard method, including pruning (side shoot removal and leaf removal), and were trained. After three inflorescences (first to third inflorescences) had formed on the main branch, three true leaves were confirmed to have developed above the third inflorescence, and then the top was pinched off, leaving the true leaves. Tomato fruits that had borne fruit by the third inflorescence were harvested, and cultivation was completed. If the number of buds exceeded six, the seventh bud was removed. If the number of fruits exceeded four, the fifth fruit was removed.

[0082] -Growth process conditions- Support: The urethane sponge used in the seedling raising process was used as is. Light / dark cycle: 16 hours (light) / 8 hours (dark). Relative temperature: 27°C (light) / 19°C (dark). Humidity: 70%. Nutrient solution: Kyowa Co., Ltd.'s "Hyponica liquid fertilizer" diluted 500 times with pure water. Carbon dioxide concentration: 1,000 ppm. Light irradiation conditions: Irradiated from two sides, light intensity 250 μmol / m ２ / s x 2 directions.

[0083] - Decomposition Pretreatment Step - After the above-mentioned growing step was completed and all the fruits were harvested, the cultivation residue was separated into leaves, stems, and roots, and the stems were cut into small pieces with a length of 5 cm or less.

[0084] -Residue decomposition process- The cultivation residue was decomposed by microorganisms while being stirred and supplied with water at a rate of 3 mL / min per 1 kg of cultivation residue. The device was designed so that water was drained from the device as needed, and all of the drainage was collected as decomposition liquid. The decomposition process was carried out for four days, and a total of approximately 20 L of decomposition liquid was collected per 1 kg of cultivation residue over the four days.

[0085] - Nutrient Solution Preparation Process - The decomposed solution stored in the decomposed solution storage tank was sterilized for use in the hydroponic cultivation system as a nutrient solution for plant cultivation. The sterilization process involved filtration through a 0.45 μm filter followed by filtration through a 0.2 μm filter. Furthermore, after the decomposed solution evaluation process described below, nitrogen and trace elements were added as top dressing to replenish elements lacking in plant cultivation based on the evaluation results. The decomposed solution was diluted with water to an electrical conductivity (EC) of 1 mS / cm, which is appropriate for cultivation, and then supplied to the hydroponic cultivation system.

[0086] -Decomposition liquid evaluation process- A portion of the cultivation residue before decomposition was sampled, and the content of inorganic elements was measured using X-ray fluorescence analysis and combustion. In addition, the decomposition liquid was sampled, and the concentration of representative ions required for plant cultivation was measured using ion chromatography. The amount of elements recovered was calculated from the measured ion concentration and the amount of decomposition liquid. Furthermore, the recovery rate of each inorganic element was calculated from the amount of element before and after decomposition. The results are shown in Figure 1.

[0087] -Repeatability evaluation- A second cultivation was carried out, carrying out the growth process under the same conditions as above, except that the obtained decomposition solution was used. Thereafter, the decomposition pretreatment process, residue decomposition process, nutrient liquefaction process, and decomposition solution evaluation process were carried out. Furthermore, a third cultivation, decomposition pretreatment process, residue decomposition process, and decomposition solution evaluation process were carried out under the same conditions as above, except that the obtained decomposition solution was used. The decomposition solutions produced in the three cultivations (the first cultivation used a commercially available liquid fertilizer, and the second and third cultivations used decomposition solutions) were evaluated for ion concentration by ion chromatography, and the results are shown in Table 1. In Table 1, the ion concentrations are expressed in ppm.

[0088]

[0089] As shown in Table 1, the component ratios of the decomposition solutions produced in the three cultivations hardly changed, and the amount of top dressing required in the nutrient liquefaction process was the same for all three solutions. Because the component ratios of the decomposition solutions were stable, it was found that there was no need to evaluate the ion concentration each time, and that applying a constant amount of top dressing would pose no problems.

[0090] The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-042746, filed on March 18, 2024, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In addition, all documents, patent applications, and technical standards described herein are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as if each individual document, patent application, and technical standard were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. A fruit and vegetable cultivation device comprising: a light source that irradiates artificial light; a hydroponic cultivation mechanism for fruit and vegetable plants; decomposition solution generating means that decomposes residues of the fruit and vegetable plants to obtain a decomposition solution; and decomposition solution supplying means that supplies the decomposition solution to the hydroponic cultivation mechanism.

2. The fruit and vegetable cultivation device according to claim 1, wherein the decomposition liquid contains at least one element selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and sulfur.

3. A fruit and vegetable cultivation device as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the decomposition liquid generating means obtains the decomposition liquid by recovering phosphorus and potassium from the fruit and vegetable residues at a recovery rate of 60% or more.

4. A fruit and vegetable plant cultivation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fruit and vegetable plant is a tomato.

5. A method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants, comprising: a step of irradiating artificial light to hydroponically cultivate the fruit and vegetable plants; a step of decomposing residues of the fruit and vegetable plants to obtain a decomposition solution; and a step of supplying the decomposition solution to a hydroponic cultivation mechanism that performs the hydroponic cultivation.

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