JP6477245B2 - Cultivation apparatus and cultivation method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a cultivation apparatus and a cultivation method for a plant, in particular, an underground part of the plant.

  In general, as a raw material for herbal medicine, for example, plant roots such as ginseng, tochibanjin, or auren are used. In order to harvest the roots of these plants, a long cultivation period of, for example, 4 to 5 years is required. Therefore, there is a desire to promote root growth as much as possible.

  Conventionally, as a plant cultivation method, for example, as described in Patent Document 1, the amount of water absorbed by a plant is obtained from a water source outside a container filled with soil or the like through a water guide portion in the container. The technology that is always taken in is known.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-262478

  In the cultivation method described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, the root, which is the underground part of the plant, is directly immersed in the water in the water tank, which is the water source, and it is difficult to promote the growth of the underground part.

  Then, an object of this invention is to provide the cultivation apparatus and cultivation method which can promote the growth of the underground part of a plant.

  The cultivation apparatus according to the present invention is a cultivation apparatus for cultivating an underground part in a cultivation medium of a plant, and relates to a water level detection means for detecting a water level of a water source located below the underground part, and a spread of an area of the underground part Based on the growth state acquisition means for acquiring information, the water level detected by the water level detection means, and the information on the extent of the underground area acquired by the growth state acquisition means, the tip position of the underground part, and the water surface of the water source Distance obtaining means for obtaining the distance between the water source and water level adjusting means for adjusting the distance by adjusting the water level of the water source.

  The cultivation method according to the present invention is a cultivation method for cultivating an underground part in a cultivation medium of a plant, and relates to a water level detection step for detecting a water level of a water source located below the underground part, and an expansion of an area of the underground part Based on the growth state acquisition step for acquiring information, the water level detected in the water level detection step, and the information on the expanse of the underground region acquired in the growth state acquisition step, A distance acquisition step of acquiring a distance between the water surface of the water source located below and a water level adjustment step of adjusting the distance by adjusting the water level of the water source are included.

  The underground part in the cultivation medium has the property of extending toward the water source. Therefore, the growth of the underground portion is promoted when the underground portion and the water source are appropriately separated from each other, rather than the underground portion being directly immersed in the water of the water source. In the cultivation apparatus and the cultivation method according to the present invention, the distance between the tip position of the underground portion and the water surface of the water source is adjusted by adjusting the water level of the water source. Thereby, between the front-end | tip of a underground part and the water surface of a water source can be spaced apart appropriately, and the growth of a underground part can be promoted.

  The growth state acquisition step includes a transmission step of transmitting the microwave by the transmission means, a reception step of receiving the microwave transmitted in the transmission step by the reception means, and an underground portion between the transmission means and the reception means. A target signal strength acquisition step for acquiring the signal strength of the microwave transmitted from the transmission means and received by the reception means in a state where the culture medium is arranged, and a basement portion between the transmission means and the reception means Is acquired in a reference signal strength acquisition step and a target signal strength acquisition step in which the signal intensity of the microwave transmitted from the transmission unit and received by the reception unit is acquired as a reference signal strength in a state in which a culture medium that does not exist is arranged The difference between the target signal strength and the reference signal strength acquired in the reference signal strength acquisition step , Including a calculation step of obtaining information about the extent of the area of the underground part based on the difference, the. In this case, the information which shows the growth state of an underground part can be easily acquired by the growth state acquisition means using a microwave.

  The cultivation medium may be cocoons whose side surfaces are supported by a support. In this case, the side surface of the heel is supported by the support, and the heel can be prevented from collapsing.

  The underground part may be a root of the genus Araceae. Since roots of the genus Tochibaninjin need an appropriate dry state as a cultivation environment, they can be suitably cultivated by adjusting the distance between the tip of the underground part and the water surface of the water source to an appropriate distance.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the cultivation apparatus and cultivation method which can promote the growth of the underground part of a plant can be provided.

It is a schematic block diagram of the cultivation apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a top view which shows arrangement | positioning of the transmitting antenna and receiving antenna in the case of acquiring the signal strength in a reference | standard area | region. It is a top view which shows arrangement | positioning of the transmitting antenna and receiving antenna in the case of acquiring the signal strength in a target area | region. It is a graph which shows the frequency characteristic of the difference with difference signal strength. It is a graph which shows the integration result in the predetermined frequency range of the difference signal strength shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the cultivation method in the cultivation apparatus shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the process in S2 of FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description, the same reference numerals are used for the same elements or elements having the same function, and redundant description is omitted.

  The cultivation apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention is an apparatus for accelerating the growth of the root of a plant in cultivation media, such as soil. The cultivation apparatus of this embodiment is used, for example, to promote the growth of roots such as ginseng, tochibanjin, or auren, which are raw materials for crude drugs. First, with reference to FIGS. 1-3, the cultivation apparatus which concerns on this embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a cultivation apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a top view showing the arrangement of the transmitting antenna 22 and the receiving antenna 24 when acquiring the signal strength in the reference region. FIG. 3 is a top view showing the arrangement of the transmitting antenna 22 and the receiving antenna 24 when acquiring the signal strength in the target region.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the cultivation apparatus 1 includes a transmission antenna 22, a reception antenna 24, a straw 50, a water tank 7, a water level sensor 3, a water level controller 10, a network analyzer 11, and an imaging unit. 12.

  The transmission antenna 22 is a transmission unit that transmits the microwave 20. The reception antenna 24 is a reception unit that receives the microwave 20 from the transmission antenna 22. The microwave 20 transmitted from the transmitting antenna 22 and received by the receiving antenna 24 is a radio wave that vibrates in a specific direction and has a plane of polarization. The plane of polarization is the electric field of radio waves. When the plane of polarization is horizontal, the radio waves are horizontally polarized waves that propagate with the electric field component being amplified in the horizontal direction with respect to the ground. When the plane of polarization is perpendicular to the ground, the radio waves are vertically polarized waves that propagate with the electric field component being amplified in the direction perpendicular to the ground. The polarization plane of the microwave 20 is changed depending on the directions of the transmission antenna 22 and the reception antenna 24. In this embodiment, the directions of the transmitting antenna 22 and the receiving antenna 24 are fixed in a predetermined direction, and the polarization plane of the microwave 20 is also fixed thereby.

  The cocoon 50 is a cultivation medium for plant roots 30 such as ginseng, tochiban ginseng, or auren, which are used as raw materials for herbal medicine, for example. Panax ginseng and Tochibaninjin are plants belonging to the genus Tochibaninjin, and Aureen is a plant belonging to the genus Aurelia. The bag 50 is disposed between the transmission antenna 22 and the reception antenna 24. More specifically, the flange 50 is disposed at a position where the shaft 5 is blocked when the line segment connecting the transmission antenna 22 and the reception antenna 24 with the shortest distance is the shaft 5 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). The ridge 50 is formed by the soil 40 that is elongated and linearly raised in the direction indicated by the line II-II. The flange 50 has side surfaces 50a and 50b that face each other in the direction indicated by the line II-II, and side surfaces 50c and 50d that face each other in a direction orthogonal to the direction indicated by the line II-II (that is, the extending direction of the shaft 5). And have. The side surfaces 50a, 50b, 50c, and 50d are supported by the support body 51. The support 51 is made of a material having air permeability or water permeability, and covers the side surfaces 50a, 50b, 50c, and 50d of the bag 50. The material forming the support 51 is, for example, a film or a wire mesh.

  The transmission antenna 22 and the reception antenna 24 are opposed to each other with the flange 50 interposed therebetween. The distance between the transmitting antenna 22 and the root 30 in the basket 50 and the distance between the receiving antenna 24 and the root 30 in the soil 40 are appropriately set. For example, the distance between the transmitting antenna 22 and the root 30 in the basket 50 may be one wavelength or more of the lower limit value of the frequency range measured by the network analyzer 11. When the distance is equal to or more than one wavelength of the lower limit value of the measurement frequency range, since there are no substances having different dielectric constants in a region less than the one wavelength, the change in characteristics of the microwave 20 to the transmission antenna 22 is small. The gain can be maintained. Similarly, the distance between the receiving antenna 24 and the root 30 in the soil 40 may be one wavelength or more of the lower limit value of the measurement frequency range. When the distance is equal to or more than one wavelength of the lower limit value of the measurement frequency, there is no substance having a different dielectric constant in a region less than the one wavelength, so that radio wave quality can be prevented from deteriorating. For example, when the lower limit value of the measurement frequency range is 1.0 GHz, one wavelength is 30 cm. Therefore, the distance between the transmitting antenna 22 and the root 30 in the basket 50, the root in the receiving antenna 24 and the soil 40, and so on. It is good also considering the distance between 30 as 45 cm which is 1.5 times the said 1 wavelength of 30 cm.

  The distance between the flange 50 and the transmission antenna 22 and the reception antenna 24 may be as close as possible. For example, the transmission antenna 22 is arranged as close as possible to the support 51 on the side surface 50c side of the flange 50, and the reception antenna 24 is You may arrange | position as close to the support body 51 by the side 50d side of the collar 50 as much as possible. As described above, when the ridge 50 is placed close to the transmission antenna 22 and the reception antenna 24, it is possible to suppress the microwave 20 transmitted from the transmission antenna 22 from being diffused due to the influence of air or the like.

  A root 30 that is an underground part is buried in the soil 40 forming the cocoon 50, and a ground part 35 such as a stem or leaf of a plant connected to the root 30 is exposed from the soil 40. In the cocoon 50, the root 30 of the plant is shifted from the center line A-B located at the center between the side surface 50a and the side surface 50b. The distance 80 between the center line AB and the plant root 30 is set as appropriate. For example, the distance 80 is half of the distance between the center line AB and the side surface 50a. In the soil 40 of the ridge 50, a target area 40A in which roots 30 located on the side surface 50a side of the center line A-B are buried (hereinafter also simply referred to as “target area 40A”), and the center line A-B. There is also a reference region 40B (hereinafter also simply referred to as “reference region 40B”) in which the roots 30 located on the side surface 50b side are not filled. The target area 40A is an area where the plant root 30 exists, and the reference area 40B is an area where the plant root 30 does not exist. The target area 40 </ b> A and the reference area 40 </ b> B are areas of the soil 40 with the same cocoon 50. That is, the soil condition of the target area 40A and the soil condition of the reference area 40B are substantially equivalent.

  The soil condition is a condition indicating the state of the soil including soil moisture and soil components. The equivalent soil condition may be equivalent in a range including a slight difference in a preset range in addition to the equal soil condition. For example, when the difference in soil moisture is included in the range of ± 10% and the soil components are the same components in the range of ± 10%, the soil conditions are assumed to be equivalent.

  The jar 50 is disposed in the water tank 7. The aquarium 7 is a source of water supplied to the plant root 30. Water 2 is stored in the water tank 7. The lower part 50 f of the jar 50 is surrounded by the water 2 in the water tank 7. The tip position of the root 30 in the tub 50 is located above the water surface 2 a of the water 2 in the water tank 7. The water 2 in the water tank 7 can pass through the support body 51 that supports the gutter 50. A water level sensor 3 is disposed in the water tank 7. The water level sensor 3 is water level detection means for detecting the water level W in the water tank 7. The detection of the water level W by the water level sensor 3 is periodically performed, for example, once a week. The water level sensor 3 is connected to the water level controller 10, and outputs information indicating the detected water level W in the water tank 7 to the water level controller 10. In addition, the detection of the water level W by the water level sensor 3 may always be performed.

  The water level controller 10 is a water level adjusting means that adjusts the water level W detected by the water level sensor 3 so as to be an appropriate water level to promote the growth of the root 30. A gate 8 for supplying water into the water tank 7 is connected to the water level controller 10 via a wiring 16, and a drain 9 for discharging the water 2 in the water tank 7 is connected via a wiring 18. The water level controller 10 adjusts the water level W by controlling the supply of water from the gate 8 and the discharge of water from the drain 9. In addition, the detail of the adjustment method of the water level in the water tank 7 is mentioned later. The water level controller 10 is also connected to the imaging unit 12 by a wiring 19. The water level controller 10 outputs information indicating the water level W output from the water level sensor 3 to the imaging unit 12.

  In the present embodiment, the transmitting antenna 22, the receiving antenna 24, the network analyzer 11, and the imaging unit 12 are provided as growth state acquisition means. The network analyzer 11 is connected to the transmission antenna 22 by the wiring 15 and is connected to the reception antenna 24 by the wiring 17. The network analyzer 11 is a signal strength acquisition unit that acquires the signal strength of the microwave 20 received by the receiving antenna 24.

  Specifically, the network analyzer 11 is arranged so as to sandwich the reference region 40B (see FIG. 2) when the microwave 20 is transmitted and received, and is disposed so as to sandwich the target region 40A. The signal strength of the microwave 20 received by the receiving antenna 24 is measured for each of the cases where the microwave 20 is transmitted and received in (see FIG. 3). The network analyzer 11 acquires the measurement result in the arrangement of FIG. 2 as the reference signal intensity, and acquires the measurement result in the arrangement of FIG. 3 as the target signal intensity. The network analyzer 11 is connected to the imaging unit 12 by a wiring 14 and outputs the acquired target signal strength and reference signal strength to the imaging unit 12.

  The imaging unit 12 includes, for example, a device including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and an input / output interface. The imaging unit 12 acquires the target signal strength and the reference signal strength output from the network analyzer 11. The imaging unit 12 is a calculation unit that calculates the difference between the acquired target signal intensity and the reference signal intensity, and acquires information related to the spread of the region of the root 30 existing in the soil 40 based on the difference.

  The information regarding the spread of the region of the root 30 is, for example, information indicating how much the root 30 occupies in the soil 40, and more specifically, a size including the length and the thickness of the root 30. Information (hereinafter also simply referred to as “size”), or information indicating the tip position of the root 30. Note that the expansion of the region of the root 30 is, for example, the volume of the region of the main root itself. For example, when the volume of the side root that branches off from the root 30 is large, not only the main root itself but also the area including the side root may be used as the extension of the area of the root 30. In the present embodiment, the imaging unit 12 acquires the length L of the root 30 as information regarding the extent of the root 30 area. Details of the method for obtaining the length L of the root 30 will be described later. The imaging unit 12 may have a display and may display information on the acquired area of the root 30. Further, the growth state of the root 30 may be visualized by displaying the spread of the region of the root 30 as an image on a display or the like.

The imaging unit 12 is also a distance acquisition unit that acquires a distance I between the tip position of the root 30 and the water surface 2 a of the water 2 in the water tank 7. As an example, for example, the imaging unit 12 calculates the distance I based on the length L of the root 30 and the water level W in the water tank 7. In the imaging unit 12, a height H of the ridge 50 is set in advance. The imaging unit 12 acquires information indicating the water level W in the water tank 7 output from the water level controller 10. The imaging unit 12 acquires information indicating the length L of the root 30 output from the network analyzer 11. The imaging unit 12 calculates the distance I by the following formula (1) using the height H of the tub 50, the water level W in the water tank 7, and the length L of the root 30. The imaging unit 12 outputs information indicating the calculated distance I to the water level controller 10. The calculation method of the distance I is not limited to the calculation method using the length L of the root 30 as described above, and may be calculated using information indicating the tip position of the root 30, for example.
I = H−L−W (1)

  The water level controller 10 includes, for example, a device including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and an input / output interface. The water level controller 10 acquires information indicating the distance I output from the imaging unit 12. The root 30 in the basket 50 is more appropriately separated from the water surface 2 a of the water 2 in the water tank 7 than the water 30 in the water tank 7 is directly immersed in the water 30. It has the property of extending so that the tip position approaches. That is, there is an appropriate distance Ia to promote the growth of the root 30. Therefore, the water level controller 10 adjusts the water level W in the water tank 7 so that the distance I calculated by the imaging unit 12 becomes an appropriate distance Ia for promoting the growth of the root 30. Specifically, the water level controller 10 determines whether the distance I is greater than the distance Ia. If the water level controller 10 determines that the distance I is greater than the distance Ia, the water level controller 10 discharges water from the drain 9 until the distance I reaches the distance Ia. When the water level controller 10 determines that the distance I is smaller than the distance Ia, the water level controller 10 supplies water from the gate 8 until the distance I becomes the distance Ia.

  The distance Ia appropriate for promoting the growth of the root 30 is a value that varies depending on the type of the root 30, the degree of growth of the root 30, and the like, and is set in the water level controller 10 in advance. For example, if the root 30 is ginseng and the length of the root 30 is 15 cm, a suitable distance Ia is 7.5 cm. The acquisition of the water level W and the length L of the root 30 and the adjustment of the water level W based on the acquired water level W and the length L of the root 30 are performed regularly, for example, once a week.

  Next, a method for acquiring the length L of the root 30 by the transmitting antenna 22, the receiving antenna 24, the network analyzer 11, and the imaging unit 12 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. To do.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the width of the flange 50 extending in the direction indicated by the line II-II in the direction indicated by the shaft 5 of the flange 50 is substantially constant, for example. For this reason, the frequency when the microwave 20 from the transmission antenna 22 is transmitted or reflected through the soil 40 is substantially independent of the position of the transmission antenna 22 and the reception antenna 24 with respect to the ridge 50 in the direction indicated by the II-II line. It becomes constant.

  The arrangement positions of the eaves 50, the transmission antenna 22, and the reception antenna 24 can be changed, for example, by moving the transmission antenna 22 and the reception antenna 24 in the direction indicated by the II-II line with respect to the fixed eaves 50. . For example, when the cultivation medium is formed using a movable plant growth box or the like instead of the straw 50, for example, the plant growth box is connected to the fixed transmission antenna 22 and reception antenna 24 by II-II line. It may be moved in the direction shown. The movement of these arrangement positions may be performed by a driving mechanism or the like, for example, or may be manually performed by a user.

  As shown in FIG. 2, when acquiring the signal strength in the reference region 40B, the transmission antenna 22 and the reception antenna 24 are arranged so as to sandwich the reference region 40B in the opposing direction of the side surface 50c and the side surface 50d. The microwave 20 is transmitted / received. Also, as shown in FIG. 3, when acquiring the signal strength in the target area, the transmitting antenna 22 and the receiving antenna 24 are arranged so as to sandwich the target area 40A in the opposing direction of the side face 50c and the side face 50d. Then, the microwave 20 is transmitted and received. For example, when the microwave 20 is irradiated between the transmission antenna 22 and the reception antenna 24, the reference region 40B is large enough that the microwave 20 does not hit the root 30 in the target region 40A and hits only the soil 40. Have

  In order to obtain the length L of the root 30, the microwave 20 transmitted from the transmitting antenna 22 and received by the receiving antenna 24 is vertically polarized. The network analyzer 11 acquires the target signal intensity in the target area 40A and the reference signal intensity in the reference area 40B. The target region 40A in which the root 30 exists and the reference region 40B in which the root 30 does not exist have different dielectric constants due to the influence of moisture contained in the root 30 and the like. For this reason, a difference occurs between the target signal strength and the reference signal strength based on the difference from the dielectric constant. Accordingly, the difference between the target signal strength and the reference signal strength is the spread of the region of the root 30 existing in the soil 40 that causes the difference in dielectric constant between the target region 40A and the reference region 40B (here, the root 30 There is a correlation with the length L).

  The correlation between the difference between the target signal strength and the reference signal strength and the length of the root 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 shows an example of the difference between the target signal strength and the reference signal strength. Hereinafter, the difference between the target signal strength and the reference signal strength is also referred to as “difference signal strength”. FIG. 4 is a graph showing the frequency characteristics of the differential signal intensity. The horizontal axis in FIG. 4 indicates the frequency [GHz], and the vertical axis in FIG. 4 indicates the differential signal strength [dBV]. The value of the difference signal strength shown in FIG. 4 is a value obtained by subtracting the reference signal strength from the target signal strength. A graph 100a in FIG. 4 shows a case where a burdock having a root 30 length of 10 cm and a diameter of 2 cm is used, and a graph 100b in FIG. 4 shows a root 30 having a length of 20 cm and a diameter of 2 cm. The case where burdock is used is shown.

  In the case shown by the graphs 100a and 100b, as the soil 40, red jade soil having a moisture content of about 36% is used. As the soil 40, for example, humus having a moisture content of about 69% may be used. The transmission antenna 22 and the reception antenna 24 are arranged so that the microwave 20 is vertically polarized. That is, in the case shown by the graphs 100a and 100b, the vertically polarized microwave 20 is used so that the length of the root 30 can be measured. As shown in FIG. 4, there is a difference in the difference signal intensity between the graph 100a and the graph 100b in the frequency range of 4.0 GHz to 6.0 GHz.

  FIG. 5 is a graph showing an integration result of the differential signal intensity shown in FIG. 4 in a predetermined frequency range. The horizontal axis in FIG. 5 indicates the frequency [GHz], and the vertical axis in FIG. 5 indicates the integral value [dBV] of the difference signal intensity. FIG. 5 shows a result of integration in the frequency range of 4.0 GHz to 6.0 GHz in which a difference in the difference signal intensity is recognized between the graph 100a and the graph 100b in FIG. A graph 101a in FIG. 5 corresponds to the graph 100a in FIG. 4, and a graph 101b in FIG. 5 corresponds to the graph 100b in FIG. 5 includes many ripples in the difference signal intensity in FIG. 4, and therefore, integration is performed using the lower limit of 4.0 GHz as a reference frequency in the frequency range in which the difference in difference signal intensity is recognized in FIG. In FIG. 5, the ripple is removed.

  As shown in FIG. 5, each of the graphs 101a and 101b draws a curve showing an attenuation tendency in the frequency range of 4.0 GHz to 6.0 GHz. Comparing the graph 101a and the graph 101b, the graph 101b when the length of the root 30 is 20 cm is attenuated more rapidly than the graph 101a when the length of the root 30 is 10 cm. The difference between the graph 101a and the graph 101b is the largest at the frequency of 5.2 GHz. As described above, the integral value of the difference signal intensity for each frequency changes according to the length of the root 30. That is, a correlation is recognized between the length of the root 30 and the difference signal intensity.

  4 and 5 show an example in which the vertically polarized microwave 20 is used so that the length of the root 30 can be measured. However, the thickness of the root 30 should be measured. Alternatively, a horizontally polarized microwave 20 may be used. When the horizontally polarized microwave 20 is used, the integrated value of the difference signal intensity for each frequency changes according to the thickness of the root 30. That is, a correlation is recognized between the thickness of the root 30 and the difference signal intensity.

  From the above, for example, the region of the root 30 becomes wider as the difference signal strength is stronger, that is, as the difference between the target signal strength and the reference signal strength is larger. Therefore, the imaging unit 12 calculates the difference signal intensity, and acquires the length L of the root 30 as information on the spread of the area of the root 30 based on the calculated difference signal intensity. The imaging unit 12 acquires the length L of the root 30 as follows based on the difference signal intensity, for example. For example, the imaging unit 12 stores in advance a correspondence relationship between the difference signal intensity at a predetermined frequency and the size of the root 30. Based on the correspondence, the imaging unit 12 acquires the length L of the root 30 associated with the difference signal intensity at a predetermined frequency among the calculated difference signal intensity. The predetermined frequency is, for example, a frequency used for evaluation, and specifically, for example, is a frequency at which the difference in the difference signal intensity for each length of the root 30 is the largest. For example, in the example shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, 5.2 GHz may be used as the predetermined frequency. The predetermined frequency may differ depending on the type of soil 40 or root 30.

  Further, the imaging unit 12 may store the length of the root 30 in advance in association with the predetermined range of the difference signal intensity of the predetermined frequency used for the evaluation, and the length of the root 30 based on the correspondence relationship. The length L may be acquired. That is, the imaging unit 12 acquires the length L of the root 30 associated with the first range when the range of the difference signal intensity at the predetermined frequency used for the evaluation is within the first range, When the range of the difference signal intensity exceeds the first range and falls within the second range, the length L of the root 30 associated with the second range may be acquired.

  Note that the difference signal strength at a predetermined frequency used for the above evaluation may be an average value or maximum signal strength of the difference signal strength in a predetermined frequency band. Further, the imaging unit 12 may acquire the length of the root 30 based on the correspondence relationship between the integral value of the difference signal intensity and the length of the root 30 instead of the difference signal intensity.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the cultivation method of the root 30 using the cultivation apparatus 1 is demonstrated. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the cultivation method in the cultivation apparatus 1 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the water level W in the water tank 7 is first detected by the water level sensor 3 (S1: water level detection step). Subsequently, the length L of the root 30 is acquired by the transmission antenna 22, the reception antenna 24, the network analyzer 11, and the imaging unit 12 (S2: growth state acquisition step). Details of the processing flow in S2 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. Subsequently, a distance I between the tip position of the root 30 and the water surface 2a is calculated by the imaging unit 12 (S3: distance acquisition step). Subsequently, the water level controller 10 adjusts the water level W so that the distance I becomes an appropriate distance Ia for promoting cultivation of the roots 30 (S4: water level adjusting step), and the process ends. The above processes from S1 to S4 are performed at a frequency of about once a week, for example.

  Next, the details of the process flow in S2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing details of the process in S2 of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 7, first, the microwave 20 is transmitted by the transmission antenna 22 with the bag 50, the transmission antenna 22, and the reception antenna 24 arranged at the positions shown in FIG. The microwave 20 is received (S21: transmission step and reception step). Subsequently, the signal strength of the microwave 20 received by the reception antenna 24 is measured by the network analyzer 11, and the measurement result is acquired as the reference signal strength (S22: reference signal strength acquisition step).

  Next, the microwave 20 is transmitted by the transmission antenna 22 in a state in which the bag 50, the transmission antenna 22, and the reception antenna 24 are arranged at the positions shown in FIG. 3, and the microwave 20 is transmitted by the reception antenna 24. Received (S23: transmission step and reception step). Subsequently, the signal strength of the microwave 20 received by the receiving antenna 24 is measured by the network analyzer 11, and the measurement result is acquired as the target signal strength (S24: target signal strength acquisition step). Then, the difference between the target signal intensity and the blank signal intensity is calculated by the imaging unit 12 (S25: calculation step), and the length L of the root 30 is acquired based on the difference (S26: calculation step). Thus, the process for acquiring the length L of the root 30 in the cultivation apparatus 1 is completed. In the method for obtaining the length L of the root 30 described above, S21 and S22 may be performed in the opposite order to S23 and S24. That is, the reference signal strength may be acquired after the target signal strength is acquired first.

  As described above, in the cultivation apparatus 1 and the cultivation method according to the present embodiment, the distance I between the tip position of the root 30 and the water surface 2a of the aquarium 7 is adjusted by adjusting the water level W of the aquarium 7. . Thereby, the distance between the tip of the root 30 and the water surface 2 a of the water tank 7 can be appropriately separated, and the growth of the root 30 can be promoted.

  In the cultivation apparatus 1 and the cultivation method according to the present embodiment, the root 30 is obtained using the microwave 20 by providing the transmission antenna 22, the reception antenna 24, the network analyzer 11, and the imaging unit 12 as the growth state acquisition unit. The length can be easily obtained.

  Moreover, since the side surfaces 50a, 50b, 50c, and 50d of the flange 50 are supported by the support body 51, the collapse of the flange 50 can be prevented.

  In addition, the roots of the genus Tochibanin, which is used as a raw material for herbal medicine, need an appropriate dry state as a cultivation environment, so the distance between the tip of the root 30 and the water surface 2a of the water tank 7 is adjusted to an appropriate distance Ia. By doing so, it can be suitably cultivated.

  In the present embodiment, the soil condition of the reference region 40B of the soil 40 where the root 30 does not exist is substantially equivalent to the soil condition of the target region 40A of the soil 40 where the root 30 exists. Thereby, since the soil conditions of the used soil 40 become the same when acquiring the target signal strength and when acquiring the reference signal strength, the target signal strength is not affected by the difference in the soil conditions of the soil 40. And the reference signal strength can be calculated. Therefore, the information regarding the region of the root 30 based on the difference can be acquired more accurately.

  As mentioned above, although various embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, You may change in the range which does not change the summary described in each claim, or may apply to others.

  The transmitting antenna 22 and the receiving antenna 24 may perform horizontal movement and vertical movement while rotating in the same direction in conjunction with each other by a driving mechanism or the like. In this case, since the polarization plane of the microwave 20 can be changed and rotated, the spread of the region of the root 30 can be scanned, and the spread of the region of the root 30 is displayed as an image on the display of the imaging unit 12 or the like. By doing so, it becomes possible to visualize in three dimensions.

  In the above-described embodiment, the imaging unit 12 acquires the length of the root 30 as information related to the spread of the region of the root 30, and calculates the distance I using the acquired length of the root 30. Not limited. For example, the imaging unit 12 may acquire the tip position of the root 30 as information related to the spread of the region of the root 30 and calculate the distance I using the acquired tip position of the root 30. Further, the imaging unit 12 may acquire the thickness of the root 30 as information regarding the spread of the region of the root 30 and calculate the distance I based on the acquired thickness of the root 30.

  In the above-described embodiment, the transmission antenna 22, the reception antenna 24, the network analyzer 11, and the imaging unit 12 acquire information related to the spread of the root 30 region, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, information related to the spread of the region of the root 30 may be acquired using a CT apparatus, an electrode, or a sound wave vibration.

  In the said embodiment, although the cultivation culture medium is the cocoon 50, it is not restricted to this, You may be formed with the soil 40 accommodated in the plant growth box. The roots 30 are not limited to roots used as raw materials for herbal medicines, and may be roots used as raw materials for foods, for example.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Cultivation apparatus, 2a ... Water surface, 3 ... Water level sensor, 7 ... Water tank, 10 ... Water level controller, 11 ... Network analyzer, 12 ... Imaging unit, 20 ... Microwave, 22 ... Transmission antenna, 24 ... Reception antenna, 30 ... Root, 50 ... 畝, L ... Length, W ... Water level, I ... Distance.

Claims (4)

A cultivation method for cultivating an underground part in a cultivation medium of a plant,
A water level detection step for detecting a water level of a water source located below the underground part;
A growth state acquisition step for acquiring information related to the spread of the area of the underground part,
Based on the water level detected in the water level detection step and the information on the spread of the region of the underground part acquired in the growth state acquisition step, between the tip position of the underground part and the water surface of the water source A distance acquisition step for acquiring a distance;
By adjusting the water level of the water source, seen including a water level adjustment step of adjusting the distance,
The growth state acquisition step includes
A transmission step of transmitting microwaves by transmission means;
A receiving step of receiving the microwave transmitted in the transmitting step by a receiving means;
The signal intensity of the microwave transmitted from the transmission unit and received by the reception unit in a state where the culture medium in which the underground portion exists is arranged between the transmission unit and the reception unit is acquired as the target signal strength. A target signal strength acquisition step to be performed;
The signal intensity of the microwave transmitted from the transmission unit and received by the reception unit in a state where the culture medium without the underground portion is disposed between the transmission unit and the reception unit is obtained as a reference signal strength. A reference signal strength acquisition step,
The difference between the target signal strength acquired in the target signal strength acquisition step and the reference signal strength acquired in the reference signal strength acquisition step is calculated, and information on the extent of the underground region based on the difference An operation step for obtaining a cultivation method. The cultivation method according to claim 1 , wherein the cultivation medium is a cocoon whose side surface is supported by a support. The cultivation method according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the underground portion is a root of the genus Tochibaninjin. A cultivation device for cultivating an underground part in a cultivation medium of a plant,
Water level detection means for detecting the water level of a water source located below the underground part;
Growth state acquisition means for acquiring information related to the spread of the underground region,
Based on the water level detected by the water level detection means and the information on the spread of the area of the underground part acquired by the growth state acquisition means, between the tip position of the underground part and the water surface of the water source A distance acquisition means for acquiring a distance;
Water level adjusting means for adjusting the distance by adjusting the water level of the water source ,
The growth state acquisition means includes
Transmission means for transmitting microwaves;
Receiving means for receiving the microwave transmitted from the transmitting means;
Signal intensity acquisition means for acquiring the signal intensity of the microwave received by the reception means;
The microwave signal intensity transmitted from the transmission means and received by the reception means in a state in which the culture medium in which the underground portion exists is disposed between the transmission means and the reception means is used as the target signal intensity. The microwaves acquired from the signal intensity acquisition means, transmitted from the transmission means and received by the reception means in a state where the culture medium without the underground portion is disposed between the transmission means and the reception means The signal strength is acquired from the signal strength acquisition means as a reference signal strength, a difference between the acquired target signal strength and the reference signal strength is calculated, and information on the extent of the underground region is acquired based on the difference. A cultivation device including a computing means .