Halophyte cultivation method using structure

Abstract

A halophyte cultivation method using a structure, of the present invention, comprises a step of immersing, in a coating solution, a halophyte seed structure, which comprises a mesh, halophyte seeds and a water-soluble polymer coating layer, and fixing same to mudflats, and thus the halophyte seeds can be stably germinated in the mudflats and seed germination rate can also be improved.

Description

Cultivation method of halophytes using structures

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for cultivating halophytes.

[0002] Blue carbon refers to the comprehensive carbon stored by coastal plant ecosystems, which include coastal vegetation and sediments. Marine ecosystems are known as effective carbon sinks (storages) because they absorb carbon up to 50 times faster than terrestrial ecosystems and sequester it for extended periods.

[0003] Recently, due to climate change, the risk of coastal disasters such as erosion and flooding is increasing, and the extent of coastal development and utilization is also growing significantly. Coasts possess significant ecological and economic value, necessitating protection and preservation; however, artificial coastlines are on the rise due to human development activities that emphasize economic aspects, while frequent extreme weather events and natural disasters are accelerating the erosion of natural coastlines. Consequently, there is a growing demand for the creation of carbon-absorbing natural coastlines to address climate change.

[0004] Seaweeds, salt marshes, salt marshes, and mudflats along the coast are highly effective at storing CO2. Furthermore, these areas absorb and store carbon at a much faster rate than other areas, such as forests, and can maintain it for millions of years.

[0005] The creation of carbon-absorbing coastlines using vegetation aims to enhance carbon absorption capacity by planting halophytes. Halophytes act as carbon sinks, and the habitat grounds induce physical sedimentation to generate new carbon-containing sediments. Through the retention of deposited carbon via erosion prevention functions, coastal damage caused by climate change can be mitigated, and resilience to climate risks can also be increased.

[0006] By planting native vegetation using natural or eco-friendly materials, blue carbon can be secured, contributing to the stabilization and protection of the created coastline. This method of securing carbon sinks also functions as an alternative to the construction of rigid coastlines.

[0007] As such, halophytes are a good way to respond to climate change. However, mudflats are exposed or submerged depending on the tides, and if halophyte seeds are sown in the mudflats using conventional methods, the seeds may float to the surface and move with the flow of seawater, potentially moving away from the sowing site or being lost. In particular, there was a problem where seeds could be lost due to wave forces if sown shallowly in the mudflats, while conversely, if sown deeply, they could become trapped and fail to germinate.

[0008] (Patent Document 1) KR 10-2527201 B

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for cultivating halophytes using a structure capable of improving the germination rate of halophytes in mudflats can be provided.

[0010]

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the purpose is to provide a method for effectively improving the germination and growth rates of halophytes and supporting stable and efficient cultivation of halophytes in tidal flat restoration projects and ecological environment restoration processes. The conventional natural germination process of halophytes is significantly affected by external environmental conditions, and there were limitations to large-scale cultivation due to low seed germination rates. Furthermore, there was a problem where the recovery of the tidal flat environment required a long time because growth was not stable. The present invention aims to solve these problems by minimizing damage from external environmental factors and increasing germination adaptability through the disinfection, coating, and fixation of halophyte seeds within a structure. In particular, another challenge is to implement a sustainable technology that minimizes environmental impact while promoting germination and growth by utilizing growth agents and eco-friendly materials.

[0012] To solve the above problem, a method for cultivating halophytes using a structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention cultivates halophytes by fixing a halophyte seed structure to a mudflat, wherein the halophyte seed structure may include: a net; halophyte seeds provided on the net; and a water-soluble polymer coating layer provided on the surface of the net and the halophyte seeds.

[0013] At this time, the halophyte seed structure can be prepared through a process comprising: Step A, preparing a coating solution by mixing halophyte seeds with a coating medium; Step B, immersing the structure in the coating solution; and Step C, immersing the structure that has undergone Step B in a fixative solution.

[0014] In addition, the above step A is carried out by disinfecting the halophyte seeds and then mixing them with the coating medium, and the coating medium is a mixture of 40 ml of 3 wt% sodium alginate with a growth agent concentration of 10 to 100 ppm, and it is preferable to add 20 g of the halophyte seeds.

[0015] In addition, the above net may be made of natural or eco-friendly materials, and the seeds of the halophyte plant may be attached to the net at predetermined intervals to control the germination interval.

[0016]

[0017] To achieve this objective, the present invention proposes a method for effectively germinating and growing seeds of halophytes, comprising various steps ranging from the initial disinfection of halophyte seeds to stable cultivation using a structure.

[0018] First, the present invention includes a disinfection step that increases the germination rate and optimizes the initial growth environment by disinfecting halophyte seeds to remove contaminants or pathogens present on the surface of the seeds. This disinfection process is carried out by immersing the seeds for 1 to 2 hours using a disinfectant solution in which 0.62g of benomyl is dissolved in 1L of water, thereby minimizing the impact of the seeds on bacteria or fungi and improving the germination environment.

[0019] Subsequently, a coating step is performed in which disinfected halophyte seeds are coated with a coating medium mixed with a 3 wt% sodium alginate solution and a growth agent such as gibberellic acid (GA3). The coating medium is an important material intended to protect the seeds and promote stable growth during the germination process; the concentration of the growth agent is set to 10 ppm to enhance the growth rate. To accelerate the germination speed of halophyte seeds, the concentration of the growth agent can be adjusted within the range of 10 to 100 ppm. The applied growth agent contains gibberellic acid, which allows for the setting of an optimized concentration based on environmental changes or seed varieties. Through this coating process, the seeds are designed to maintain an environment suitable for germination while being protected from the external environment. In particular, by mixing 20g of disinfected halophyte seeds with 4ml of the coating medium and proceeding with the coating, a uniform coating layer is formed, ensuring that the coated seeds are not damaged by the external environment.

[0020] In the next step, the coated seeds are neutralized and fixed by treating them with a 5 wt% aqueous calcium chloride solution. This process helps the coated seeds bind stably to the structure. After the calcium chloride fixation treatment, an additional drying step is performed to enhance the stability of the seeds within the structure and prevent damage from external physical forces, such as seawater currents. Thus, the stability of the seeds within the structure is further strengthened through the calcium chloride fixation and drying processes used during the fabrication stage. Additionally, the halophyte seed structure is designed to prevent damage to the seeds and the coating layer during storage and transportation. To this end, protective packaging is applied to facilitate the maintenance of the coating layer's stability and the quality of the internal seeds. This makes the halophyte cultivation process more reliable by preventing damage from external physical shocks or environmental changes that may occur during transport to the site.

[0021] The cultivation method of the present invention includes the step of positioning the prepared seeds and structures in a mudflat. To maintain the structures stably without damage from seawater currents, the structures are fixed to the mudflat using a fixing device of a specific shape. The fixing device is designed to facilitate easy insertion into the mudflat, and the structures are anchored in a position where the germination and growth of halophytes are not hindered as much as possible. This method helps to minimize natural loss that may occur during the growth process of halophytes and helps maintain the position of the seed structures. Subsequently, a soil covering operation is performed to a thickness of approximately 1 cm on the surface of the mudflat. The soil covering is intended to provide a foundation that supports the germination and growth of halophytes; it is performed at a shallow thickness so that the structures are not completely covered, thereby maximizing the germination rate. It is characterized by providing an environment where the roots of halophytes can stably take root, while ensuring that germination is not inhibited by excessive soil covering.

[0022] The structure used herein is made of natural or eco-friendly materials, including, in particular, materials made of eco-friendly materials such as palm wood or recycled paper. The structure is designed in a mesh form to facilitate seed binding, and the germination interval during cultivation can be adjusted by attaching seeds at regular intervals. In an exemplary embodiment, the spacing between the meshes can be adjusted according to the germination size of the halophyte seeds, and the halophyte seeds can be placed between the meshes.

[0023] In conclusion, the present invention provides a cultivation method that comprehensively utilizes steps such as seed disinfection, coating, use of a structure, stable fixation, and soil covering to solve the problems of reduced germination rates or unsuitable growth environments that occurred in conventional salt-tolerant plant cultivation methods.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, salt-tolerant plant seeds can be stably positioned in a desired location until they germinate in a tidal flat where vegetation is to be established, and accordingly, the germination rate of salt-tolerant plants in the tidal flat can be improved.

[0025]

[0026] Furthermore, by disinfecting halophyte seeds, contamination levels can be reduced and the germination environment improved, thereby enhancing the initial growth rate. Additionally, by coating the disinfected seeds with an eco-friendly coating medium containing sodium alginate and a growth agent, and then neutralizing and fixing them using a calcium chloride fixative, the seeds are provided with the characteristic of being stably bound to a structure. Through this, the seeds are stably protected from the external environment, and there is an advantage of increased germination and growth rates even in the natural environment of the tidal flat. In particular, the present invention provides a structure made of natural or eco-friendly materials, which is suitable for use under natural conditions as it includes a fixing device that harmonizes with the tidal flat ecosystem and possesses stable fixation power even against seawater flow. Moreover, the fixation and germination rate of the seeds can be maximized by performing a shallow layer of soil covering. Furthermore, it is possible to accelerate the germination speed of seeds by utilizing a growth agent such as gibberellic acid, and to set optimal growth conditions for each crop by adjusting its concentration within the range of 10 to 100 ppm. A water-soluble polymer coating layer mitigates external environmental stimuli to prevent damage to seeds, and provides utility as an economical and sustainable environmental restoration technology, along with practical applicability in tidal flat environments.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a flowchart schematically illustrating a method for cultivating halophytes using a structure according to one embodiment of the present invention, and

[0028] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a method of cultivating halophytes using a structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, and

[0029] Figure 3 is a photograph showing an example of a mesh-shaped structure, and

[0030] Figure 4 is a photograph showing an example of a halophyte seed structure, and

[0031] Figure 5 is a photograph showing an example of a linear structure, and

[0032] Figure 6 is a photograph showing a state in which halophyte seeds are attached to a linear structure, and

[0033] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining a fixing device for a structure that can be used to fix a structure to a mudflat according to one embodiment of the present invention, and

[0034] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining a fixing device for a structure of FIG. 7, and

[0035] Figure 9 is a photograph illustrating the state of a halophyte seed structure fixed in a mudflat, and

[0036] Figure 10 is a photograph illustrating the coating state of a halophyte seed, and

[0037] Figure 11 is a photograph illustrating coated halophyte seeds, and

[0038] Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating the disinfection and growth agent treatment of halophyte seeds.

[0039] The advantages and features of the present invention and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but can be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments may be provided to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention. Throughout the entire specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components.

[0040] The terms used herein are for describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. In this specification, the singular form includes the plural form unless specifically stated otherwise in the text. As used herein, 'comprise' and / or 'comprising' do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components, steps, actions, and / or elements to the mentioned components, steps, actions, and / or elements.

[0041] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having meanings consistent with the context of the relevant technology and should not be interpreted as having an ideal or overly formal meaning unless explicitly defined in this application.

[0042]

[0043] The structure, operating principle, and effects of the present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0044]

[0045] FIG. 1 is a flowchart schematically illustrating a method for cultivating halophytes using a structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a method for cultivating halophytes using a structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a photograph showing an example of a mesh-shaped structure, FIG. 4 is a photograph showing an example of a halophyte seed structure, FIG. 5 is a photograph showing an example of a linear structure, and FIG. 6 is a photograph showing a state in which halophyte seeds are combined with a linear structure.

[0046] Referring to the drawings, a method for cultivating halophytes according to one embodiment of the present invention can improve the germination rate of halophytes by preparing a halophyte seed structure and fixing it to a mudflat. The halophyte seed structure may include a net, halophyte seeds, and a coating layer.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 1, first, a coating solution is prepared in step S110. This coating solution can be prepared by mixing halophyte seeds with a coating medium. In one embodiment, the coating medium may contain a water-soluble polymer material. In one embodiment, the coating medium may contain 3 wt% sodium alginate. In one embodiment, the coating medium may contain a growth agent. Gibberellic acid may be used as the growth agent. In one embodiment, the concentration of the growth agent in the coating medium can be implemented by mixing to be 10 to 100 ppm.

[0048] In one embodiment, halophyte seeds may be mixed into a coating solution after undergoing a disinfection process. At this time, the disinfection process may be carried out by immersing the seeds for 1 to 2 hours in a disinfectant solution in which 0.62 g of benomyl is dissolved in 1 L of water.

[0049] In one embodiment, a coating solution can be prepared by adding 20g of halophyte seeds to 40ml of coating medium.

[0050]

[0051] Next, in step S120, a structure consisting of a mesh or the like is immersed in a coating solution.

[0052] Next, in step S130, the structure is immersed in a fixative. The fixative can be implemented as an aqueous solution containing 5 wt% calcium chloride.

[0053] Next, in step S140, the structure is dried to prepare the halophyte seed structure.

[0054] Salt-tolerant plants can be cultivated in the mudflats using the salt-tolerant plant seed structure prepared in this way. To this end, in step S150, the prepared salt-tolerant plant seed structure is fixed to the mudflats.

[0055] This allows salt-tolerant plant seeds to remain in a stable position until they germinate in the mudflats, and the germination rate can be improved.

[0056] Through this series of processes, the germination rate of halophytes is increased, and stable cultivation in tidal flats becomes possible.

[0057]

[0058] Referring to FIG. 2, a method for cultivating halophytes according to one embodiment of the present invention includes the process of preparing a halophyte seed structure (100) and fixing it to a mudflat (10). The halophyte seed structure (100) includes a net (110) and a halophyte seed (120). The net (110) can be designed to stably support the halophyte seed (120). The spacing between the meshes of the net (110) can be determined by considering the germination size of the halophyte seed (120). That is, in the case of a halophyte seed with a relatively large germination size, the spacing between the meshes of the net (110) can be made relatively wide, and in the case of a halophyte seed with a relatively small germination size, the spacing between the meshes of the net (110) can be made relatively narrow. The halophyte seed (120) is placed between the meshes of the net (110). For example, when the halophyte seeds (120) germinate with an average size of 2 to 3 mm, the spacing between the meshes of the net (110) can be set to 3 to 4 mm to allow the halophyte seeds (120) to germinate without interference with each other. After placing this structure on the mudflat (10), the halophyte seed structure (100) can be stably positioned even with the flow of seawater by fixing it using a fixing device. As a result, the halophyte seeds (120) can be stably positioned until they germinate on the mudflat (10), and consequently, the germination rate of the halophyte can be improved. In this embodiment, a halophyte seed structure (100) is utilized in which the structure is implemented as a net (110), but the shape of the structure may be linear rather than a net.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 3, the net (110) used in the method for cultivating halophytes according to one embodiment of the present invention is a part of the halophyte seed structure (100) and is designed to stably support the halophyte seeds (120). The net (110) can be made of palm wood or paper material and is fixed to the surface of the mudflat (10) to prevent the halophyte seeds (120) from being lost. The structure of the net provides sufficient space for the halophyte seeds (120) to be fixed and preferably has strength capable of withstanding the seawater flow of the mudflat. By utilizing such a net, the germination rate of the halophyte can be improved.

[0060]

[0061] Referring to FIG. 4, a halophyte seed structure (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can be implemented in the form of a net (110).

[0062] The net (110) can be made of materials such as palm wood or paper, and can have eco-friendly and biodegradable properties.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, an example of a linear structure (100-1) used in a method for cultivating halophytes using a structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The linear structure (100-1) includes a halophyte seed (120), and this linear structure (100-1) can be placed on a mudflat (10) to perform the role of improving the germination rate of the halophyte. In addition, the halophyte seed (120) is protected by a coating layer so that damage from the external environment can be minimized until germination. By utilizing such a structure, the halophyte seed can be stably positioned on the mudflat until germination, and accordingly, the germination rate of the halophyte can be improved.

[0064] In one embodiment, the halophyte seed structure (100) promotes the germination of halophytes while fixed in the mudflat, which can be effectively utilized for responding to climate change and creating a carbon-absorbing coastline.

[0065]

[0066] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining a fixing device for a structure that can be used to fix a structure to a mudflat according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining the fixing device for a structure of FIG. 7. Referring to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, a fixing device for a structure can be used to fix a salt-tolerant plant seed structure to a mudflat. After positioning the salt-tolerant plant seed structure on the mudflat, it can be fixed with the fixing device for a structure, thereby allowing the salt-tolerant plant seed structure to be stably positioned even with the seawater flow of the mudflat. The fixing device for a structure (150) may include a body part (151) and a head part (152). The body part (151) is formed to be long so that it can be inserted into the mudflat (10) to stably fix the structure. The head part (152) is located at the top of the body part (151) and serves to press and fix the salt-tolerant plant seed structure (100). By utilizing such a fixing device (150) for the structure, the halophyte seed structure (100) can be stably positioned on the mudflat (10) and fixed so as not to be easily lost even by the flow of seawater. Accordingly, the germination rate of the halophyte seeds can be improved.

[0067]

[0068] Figure 9 is a photograph illustrating the state of a halophyte seed structure fixed in a mudflat. By referring to Figure 9, one can understand the state of a halophyte seed structure fixed in a mudflat.

[0069] A halophyte seed structure (100) can be designed to be stably positioned on the surface of a mudflat (10) to improve the germination rate of halophytes. This structure is configured in the form of a net and contains halophyte seeds (120). After the halophyte seed structure (100) is placed on the mudflat (10), it can be fixed through a fixing device (150) for the structure. Accordingly, the structure can be stably maintained even with the flow of seawater in the mudflat, and the loss of halophyte seeds can be prevented. This fixing method can increase the germination rate of halophytes and contribute to the restoration of the mudflat ecosystem and the improvement of carbon absorption capacity.

[0070]

[0071] Figure 10 is a photograph illustrating the coating state of a halophyte seed, and Figure 11 is a photograph illustrating a coated halophyte seed. By referring to Figures 10 and 11, one can understand the characteristics before and after drying of halophytes such as glasswort, brackish water grass, and reeds after applying a water-soluble polymer coating.

[0072] Immediately after coating, the seeds of halophytes such as glasswort, brackish water grass, and reeds, having absorbed moisture, appear swollen due to the water absorption according to their respective characteristics. After drying, the moisture is removed, causing the seeds to shrink in size and the surface to become dry. This coating process helps the halophyte seeds position themselves stably when sown in the mudflats and contributes to improving germination rates. The coated seeds form a protective layer capable of withstanding environmental changes in the mudflats, providing favorable conditions for germination.

[0073]

[0074] Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating the disinfection and growth agent treatment of halophyte seeds. Referring to Figure 12, germination patterns were observed for uncoated *Salicornia* while varying the presence or absence of disinfection treatment and the concentration of the growth agent. As a result, it was confirmed that the average germination rate did not show a significant difference with only disinfection treatment, and the degree of contamination by fungi decreased significantly after 20 days. Additionally, when the growth agent was applied at 10 to 100 ppm, the germination rate increased by nearly twofold, but when the growth agent was applied at 1000 ppm, the germination rate decreased from the maximum value.

[0075] Here, gibberellic acid can be used as a growth agent, and benomyl can be used as a disinfectant.

[0076]

[0077] Although representative embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications can be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments, but should be defined by the claims set forth below as well as equivalents thereof.

[0078] The method for cultivating halophytes using the structure of the present invention stably and effectively improves the germination and growth of halophytes, thereby enabling quantitative prediction of blue carbon and mass production of halophytes, and can be utilized in various fields such as domestic and international coastal ecosystem restoration industries, as well as carbon emission trading markets and eco-friendly biomaterial industries.

Claims

1. Cultivate halophytes by fixing halophyte seed structures to the mudflat, but The above halophyte seed structure is, Net; Salt-tolerant plant seeds provided in the above mesh; and A method for cultivating halophytes using a structure characterized by comprising: a water-soluble polymer coating layer provided on the surface of the above-mentioned mesh and the above-mentioned halophyte seeds.

2. In claim 1, the halophyte seed structure is, Step A: Preparing a coating solution by mixing halophyte seeds into a coating medium; Step B of immersing the structure in the above coating solution; and A method for cultivating halophytes using a structure, characterized by being prepared through a process including step C, in which the structure obtained from step B is immersed in a fixative solution.

3. In Paragraph 2, A method for cultivating halophytes using a structure characterized in that step A above is performed by disinfecting the halophyte seeds and then mixing them with the coating medium, the coating medium is a mixture of 40 ml of 3 wt% sodium alginate with a growth agent concentration of 10 to 100 ppm, and 20 g of the halophyte seeds are introduced.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above net is Equipped with natural or eco-friendly materials, A method for cultivating halophytes using a structure characterized by attaching the seeds of the halophytes to the mesh at predetermined intervals to control the germination interval.

5. In Paragraph 2, The above step C is A step of neutralizing and fixing the structure obtained from the above Step B by treating it with a 5 wt% aqueous calcium chloride solution; and A method for cultivating halophytes using a structure, characterized by further including a step of drying the structure that has undergone the above-mentioned neutralization and fixation steps.

6. In Paragraph 2, A step of fixing the structure obtained from the above step C to the mudflat using a fixing device; and A method for cultivating halophytes using a structure, characterized by further including the step of covering the surface of the structure, which has undergone the step of fixing to the mudflat, with a thickness of 0.5 to 1 cm.

7. In Paragraph 3, The above Step A is The method further comprises the step of disinfecting the halophyte seeds by immersing them for 1 to 2 hours in a disinfectant solution prepared by dissolving 0.62g of benomyl in 1L of water. A method for cultivating halophytes using a structure characterized by the following.

8. In Paragraph 3, A method for cultivating halophytes using a structure characterized by using gibberellic acid as the growth agent.

9. In Paragraph 1, The spacing between the mesh of the net is adjusted according to the germination size of the above salt-tolerant plant seeds, and A method for cultivating halophytes using a structure characterized by the above halophyte seeds being placed between the above meshes.

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