Bio paper for replacing soil for plant cultivation

Abstract

The present invention relates to a bio paper for replacing soil for plant cultivation, the bio paper comprising: a body layer (110) composed of fibers and having a predetermined thickness; and a nutrient layer (120) which is provided on one side of the body layer (110), is composed of the same fibers as the body layer (110), and is configured in the form of a sheet in which nutrients including fertilizer are dispersed and arranged. The bio paper eliminates the need to use soil in cultivating plants while supplying nutrients necessary for plants and retaining moisture, thereby enabling plants to be easily cultivated.

Description

Bio paper as a soil substitute for plant cultivation

[0001] The present invention relates to a bio-paper for plant cultivation that serves as a substitute for soil, and more specifically, to a bio-paper for plant cultivation that includes nutrients in a strip-shaped bio-paper having a predetermined thickness, thereby eliminating the need to use soil for plant cultivation while supplying necessary nutrients to the plant and retaining moisture, thus enabling easy plant cultivation.

[0002] The act of cultivating agricultural plants, trees, flowers, or raising insects by utilizing land, buildings, or various living spaces in urban areas is commonly referred to as urban agriculture.

[0003] Urban agriculture refers to a comprehensive activity that is not limited to increasing the yield and marketability of cultivated plants, but encompasses all aspects of utilizing the diverse values ​​obtainable from the process of growing plants.

[0004] For example, the reason can be said to be that it contributes to the creation of a sustainable green urban environment by restoring psychological relaxation and stability, ecological sensitivity, securing green spaces, and ecological circulation functions obtained from the process of cultivating plants.

[0005] Moreover, as problems such as rising prices due to poor vegetable yields caused by recent environmental pollution and global warming, and the distribution of vegetables whose quality cannot be trusted due to the use of harmful substances like pesticides, there is a growing demand for people to grow vegetables at home to obtain safe and affordable produce.

[0006] Furthermore, as fine dust and ultrafine dust have recently emerged as major social issues, and as time spent at home has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of people complaining of depression, fatigue, and helplessness is on the rise. Consequently, there is a growing demand to cultivate plants indoors to alleviate these symptoms, seeking psychological stability, interior design benefits, and air purification effects.

[0007] Accordingly, as the trend of urban agriculture mentioned above, interest in affordable eco-friendly organic produce, and the demand for psychological stability through plant cultivation have increased recently, there is a growing trend of households directly growing leafy and fruit vegetables such as lettuce and chili peppers.

[0008] For example, indoor gardening using spaces such as verandas or rooftops in apartment buildings is becoming widely popular, and the plants grown directly through such indoor gardening satisfy urban residents' preference for eco-friendly and safe food while also significantly helping to improve indoor air quality.

[0009] However, if we look at the conventional method of gardening, it is common to grow plants by filling pots or wooden boxes with soil.

[0010] However, when using soil as described above, if the soil is contaminated, plants are also affected by the contamination, and problems may arise where humans are also exposed to the contamination due to the soil being placed indoors or the ingestion of plants.

[0011] In addition, when the soil mentioned above contains insect larvae, there was a problem where the larvae would metamorphose into adults during the plant cultivation process, causing inconvenience to the indoor environment due to insects.

[0012] In addition, the soil is heavy, making it inconvenient to move flowerpots, and if the flowerpots are spilled, the soil inside spills onto the floor, requiring a lot of time and effort to clean up. Furthermore, there was an inconvenience in that it was not easy to dispose of the soil when it was not used, that is, when plants were not being cultivated.

[0013]

[0014] Meanwhile, seed paper, plantable paper, or growing paper, which is obtained by mixing seeds with fibers obtained by dissolving paper in water and then pressing and drying them, is being used recently for paper recycling, interior design, etc. In this invention, the above seed paper, plantable paper, or growing paper is collectively referred to as bio paper.

[0015] When using the aforementioned conventional bio-paper, if moisture is supplied to the bio-paper, the seeds contained within germinate and grow as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. However, if grown by exposing it to the air, the thickness is too thin to supply sufficient nutrients, so it is mainly cultivated for sprouting purposes or for small vegetables that can be harvested quickly. Consequently, for vegetables that require a certain period of time for growth or are large in size, the bio-paper is planted in soil of a certain thickness to grow, which ultimately leads to the problems of the cultivation device using soil mentioned above.

[0016]

[0017] *Prior Art Literature*

[0018] Republic of Korea Published Patent 10-2022-0014055

[0019] The present invention is designed to solve the problems associated with plant cultivation using soil. It provides a soil-replacement bio-paper for plant cultivation that allows for easy plant cultivation by including nutrients in a strip-shaped bio-paper with a predetermined thickness, thereby eliminating the need to use soil for plant cultivation while supplying necessary nutrients to the plant and retaining moisture.

[0020] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a soil substitute biopaper by forming width-adjusting and length-adjusting cutting lines at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction on the biopaper, thereby allowing the width, thickness, and length of the biopaper to be appropriately used according to the flowerpot used, while also allowing it to be easily cut.

[0021] The feature of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose is a bio-paper for soil replacement for plant cultivation comprising: a body layer composed of fibrous material and having a predetermined thickness; and a sheet-shaped nutrient layer provided on one side of the body layer, composed of the same fibrous material as the body layer, and having nutrient substances dispersed therein.

[0022] As described above, the bio paper used as a soil substitute for plant cultivation has width-adjusting perforations formed at predetermined intervals along its length so that its width can be adjusted, allowing it to be cut and used according to the size of the flowerpot or the like.

[0023] In addition, the above-mentioned bio-paper for soil replacement for plant cultivation has length-adjusting perforations formed at predetermined intervals perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, allowing it to be easily cut at a desired length, thereby improving the convenience of use.

[0024] The above fertilizer components are nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, etc.

[0025] In addition, the above bio paper has a number of perforations formed to guide the establishment of plant roots during the initial stages of cultivation.

[0026] In addition, the above-mentioned bio paper may be integrally provided with a seed, and the seed is provided in the body layer.

[0027] According to the present invention configured as described above, vegetables can be grown without using soil, so problems such as insects and waste caused by soil do not occur, and vegetables can be grown efficiently as it is lighter compared to using soil.

[0028] In addition, even when it is necessary to add nutrients during the plant cultivation process, if a portion of the bio-paper is cut and placed in a flowerpot, the nutrients dissolve as the bio-paper absorbs water during the watering process and are supplied to the plant, thereby eliminating the need to purchase separate fertilizers for nutrient supply.

[0029]

[0030] FIGS. 1 and 2 are drawings showing examples of the use of conventional biopaper.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a bio-paper for soil replacement for plant cultivation according to the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a cut-out example of bio-paper for soil replacement for plant cultivation according to the present invention.

[0033] FIGS. 5 to 8 are drawings illustrating embodiments of bio-paper for soil replacement for plant cultivation according to the present invention.

[0034] *Explanation of symbols for major parts of the drawing*

[0035] 100 : Bio Paper

[0036] 110 : Body layer

[0037] 120: Nutrient layer

[0038]

[0039] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0040]

[0041] The bio paper (100) for soil replacement for plant cultivation according to the present invention comprises, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a body layer (110) composed of fibers and having a predetermined thickness; and a sheet-shaped nutrient layer (120) provided on one side of the body layer (110), composed of the same fibers as the body layer (110), and having nutrients dispersed therein.

[0042]

[0043] The above-mentioned body layer (110) is formed in the form of a nonwoven fabric using natural fibers such as cotton, PLA (Polylactic Acid) fibers, jute, coconut shells, or rice straw, or fibers that form paper, which are decomposed by enzymes secreted by microorganisms, in order to have a predetermined thickness.

[0044] At this time, the fibrous material forming the body is crushed and used so that it facilitates root establishment during the seed germination process and can decompose after a certain period of time during use.

[0045] This body layer (110) is woven by a water jet method in which high-pressure water is sprayed onto a web of laminated fibers and the fibers are entangled by frictional movement between the fibers as the high-pressure water passes through the web instantaneously, or by a needle punching method in which the web is entangled with each other by needle punching, thereby ensuring that the fibers are entangled with each other while maintaining the biodegradability of the yarn itself to secure a predetermined strength.

[0046] In addition, the body layer (110) may be used by dissolving fibers in water, compressing them, and then drying them. In this case, the needle punching fixation may be performed to ensure the breathability necessary for root establishment and root growth.

[0047] The body layer (110) formed in this manner has numerous spaces between the fibers, so that when a seed germinates, the germinated root becomes entangled with the fibers of the body layer (110), thereby increasing the root's ability to take root, and when a seed is planted on the body layer (110) of the bio paper due to the entangled fibers, the seed is prevented from being lost or falling.

[0048] Meanwhile, a moisturizer is further mixed into the body layer (110). The moisturizer is a super absorbent polymer such as TerraCottem or SAP (Super Absorbent Polymer). By using a super absorbent polymer, the moisturizer absorbs moisture through the property of absorbing and retaining water. During the plant cultivation process, the moisturizer rapidly absorbs and retains moisture from the air and supplied water, thereby ensuring a smooth supply of moisture necessary for plant growth with excellent moisturizing power.

[0049] In addition, to increase the bonding strength between fibers forming the body layer (110), a water-soluble resin such as methylcellulose is added as an adhesive when laminating the web.

[0050] The water-soluble resin added in this manner enhances the bonding between fibers, facilitating transportation or storage; when water is supplied for plant cultivation, it decomposes and is removed, creating a space where seeds germinate and air is supplied, thereby providing an environment for plant growth.

[0051]

[0052] And the above-mentioned nutrient layer (120) is formed of the same material as the body layer (110) and is bonded to the body layer (110) with a water-soluble adhesive, or is bonded to the body layer (110) by a method such as a water jet or needle punching used in the process of forming the body layer (110).

[0053] In the above, the nutrient material (122) provided in the nutrient layer (120) may be partially encapsulated (126) with a water-soluble resin to prevent it from dissolving all at once when water is added, as shown in FIG. 5, and the capsule (126) may be formed in one or more layers to ensure that the nutrient material is supplied uniformly and slowly.

[0054] In another embodiment, the nutrient layer (120) is covered with a water-degradable or biodegradable resin (128) as shown in FIG. 6, and then a plurality of holes (129) are perforated on one or more sides of the cover to supply water. Water is introduced through the holes, and nutrients such as internal fertilizer are dissolved and discharged through other holes, allowing the discharge to occur slowly and enabling the roots of the plant to take root through the holes.

[0055] Examples of the water-soluble resin for encapsulation and covering described above are selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, polyethyleneimine, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyalkylene oxide, polyacrylamide, cellulose ether, cellulose ester, cellulose amide, polyvinyl acetate, polyamide, gelatin, methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose and its salts, dextrin, ethylcellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, maltodextrin, its copolymers, its mixtures, and combinations thereof.

[0056] The above nutrients may be fertilizer components such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plant growth, primarily promoting the growth of leaves and stems, playing an important role in the production of chlorophyll in plants, and is a necessary element for converting sunlight into energy. Phosphorus helps with the development of plant roots and the growth of flowers, seeds, and fruits. Potassium helps plants absorb and transport water, improves resistance to heat, cold, and pests, promotes photosynthesis and protein synthesis, and is essential for maintaining the overall health of plants.

[0057] In addition, regarding nutrients, anything that helps with crop growth, other than the aforementioned fertilizer components, is acceptable.

[0058]

[0059] The bio paper for plant cultivation that serves as a soil substitute is configured in this way and has width-adjusting perforations (132) formed at predetermined intervals along the length direction so that the width can be adjusted and used. It can be cut and used according to the size of the flowerpot or the like.

[0060] In addition, the bio paper used as a soil substitute for plant cultivation has length-adjusting perforations (134) formed at predetermined intervals perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, allowing it to be easily cut at a desired length, thereby improving the convenience of use.

[0061] In addition, the bio paper has a plurality of perforations formed therein to guide the establishment of plant roots during the initial stages of cultivation, and these perforations are formed in the aforementioned water jet process, needle punching process, etc.

[0062] In addition, the above-mentioned bio paper may be integrally provided with a seed, and the seed is provided on the body layer (110) on the opposite side of the nutrient layer (120).

[0063]

[0064] According to the present invention configured as described above, the width and length of the bio paper can be adjusted to fit the size of the space to be cultivated by the user, and at this time, the paper can be easily cut at the desired width and length by means of the width adjustment cutting line (132) and the length adjustment cutting line (134).

[0065] The bio paper, cut to a predetermined width and length as shown in Fig. 7, is dried to minimize empty space and then placed in a space to be cultivated. Afterward, seeds are placed on top of the bio paper, and then the bio paper composed only of the body layer of the present invention is covered and moisture is supplied to induce germination, or if the bio paper contains seeds, moisture is supplied to induce germination.

[0066] In some cases, already germinated plants can be planted in the bio paper. In this case, supply sufficient water to the bio paper to soften it, then make a hole, plant the plant, and press it down.

[0067] In Figure 7 above, (b) shows an example of a portion cut from the bio paper of (a).

[0068] After germination, the plant roots take root and grow through the pores or voids of the biopaper, and at this time, the plant grows using nutrients from the nutrient layer.

[0069] Accordingly, according to the present invention, as shown in FIG. 8, there is an effect of being able to cultivate plants without using soil, and there is no need to separately supply nutrients during the plant cultivation process.

[0070] Figure 8 shows an example of applying the above bio paper to a flowerpot.

Claims

1. A body layer (110) composed of fibrous material and having a predetermined thickness; A sheet-shaped nutritional layer (120) provided on one side of the body layer (110), composed of the same fiber as the body layer (110), and configured with a dispersed nutritional substance; Bio-paper for soil replacement for plant cultivation, characterized by being composed of: .

2. Bio paper for soil replacement for plant cultivation, characterized in that, in the first paragraph, a through hole is formed in the body layer (110).

3. Bio paper for soil replacement for plant cultivation, characterized in that, in the first paragraph, the body layer (110) further includes a moisturizer.

4. A bio-paper for soil replacement for plant cultivation according to claim 1, wherein the nutrient layer (120) is formed of the same material as the body layer (110) and is bonded to the body layer (110) with a water-soluble adhesive, or is bonded to the body layer (110) by a water jet or needle punching method used in the process of forming the body layer (110).

5. A bio-paper for plant cultivation that serves as a soil substitute, characterized in that, in the first paragraph, a portion of the nutrient material (122) provided in the nutrient layer (120) is encapsulated (126) in one or more layers of water-soluble resin.

6. A bio-paper for soil replacement for plant cultivation according to claim 1, wherein the nutrient layer (120) is covered with a water-degradable or biodegradable resin (128) and then a plurality of perforations (129) are perforated on one or more sides of the cover.

7. A bio-paper for plant cultivation that serves as a soil substitute, characterized in that, in the first paragraph, the bio-paper has width adjustment perforations (132) formed at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction so that the width can be adjusted for use.

8. A bio paper for plant cultivation that serves as a soil substitute, characterized in that, in the first paragraph, the bio paper has length-adjusting perforations (134) formed at predetermined intervals perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

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