JP6993370B2 - Cultivation equipment and cultivation method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a cultivation apparatus and a cultivation method.

Conventionally, hydroponics has been known as a method for cultivating plants. As such a cultivation method, for example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-108423), Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-117616) and Patent Document 3 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2016-178887) are known. ing.

The hydroponic cultivation management system of Patent Document 1 discloses that a constant amount of a culture solution is supplied for a certain period of time or the water level of the culture solution is adjusted to zero according to the process of growing and growing a plant. Further, in the hydroponic cultivation method of Patent Document 2, it is disclosed that the cycle of nutrient solution supply, nutrient solution discharge and sunshine progress is repeated, and the nutrient solution is supplied after a period corresponding to a preset cumulative amount of sunshine elapses. Has been done. In the hydroponic cultivation apparatus of Patent Document 3, a method of adjusting the water level so that the range of 10% or more and 30% or less of the total length of the root of a plant is exposed to air and the tip of the root is always immersed in the culture solution. Is disclosed.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 3-108423 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-117616 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-178887

In Patent Documents 1 and 2, the control system for the water level of the culture solution and the conditions for adjusting the nutrient solution supply cycle are ambiguous, and it is not possible to perform management according to the state of the plant. Further, in Patent Document 3, since the tip of the root of the plant is always immersed in the culture solution, root rot may occur and the growth of the plant may be hindered.

In order to solve this problem, it is an object of the present invention to provide a cultivation device and a cultivation method capable of promoting the growth of epiphytes by performing management according to the state of epiphytes. ..

The cultivation apparatus according to the present invention is used for cultivation of epiphytes. The cultivation equipment consists of a water receiver with a bottom surface, a water supply channel that supplies water to the water receiver, a water supply valve that opens and closes the water supply channel, a drainage channel that drains the water accumulated in the water receiver, and drainage that opens and closes the drainage channel. It is provided with a valve and a high-position support means for supporting a storage container having a hole for accommodating a settled plant and allowing water to pass through the bottom while floating upward from the bottom surface of the water receiver.

Preferably, the water receiver further has a standing wall surrounding the bottom surface, the height of the standing wall being higher than the bottom of the containment vessel supported by the high position support means.

Preferably, the high position support means is a protrusion provided on the bottom surface of the water receiver and projecting upward from the bottom surface of the water receiver.

Preferably, a sensor for measuring the water content of the medium of the settled plant, a water supply valve control unit for controlling the opening and closing of the water supply valve according to the water content measured by the sensor, and a water content measured by the sensor. It is equipped with a drain valve control unit that controls the opening and closing of the drain valve.

Preferably, it is further provided with a luminaire located above the epiphyte and irradiating the epiphyte with light.

The cultivation method according to the present invention is a method for cultivating a settling plant, in which a step of supporting the settling plant while floating from the bottom surface of a water receiver and a sensor for the water content of the medium in a container containing the settled plant are detected. According to the process measured by and the water content measured by the sensor, water is supplied to the water receiver from the water supply channel so that the water level height of the water collected in the water receiver is above the bottom of the storage container. Depending on the process of supplying water to the water and the water content measured by the sensor, the water collected in the water receiver is drained to the drainage channel, and the water level level of the water collected in the water receiver is below the bottom of the storage container. Moreover, it is provided with a step of draining the water accumulated in the water receiver so that the water is maintained above the bottom surface of the water receiver.

Preferably, the water supply valve opening step of opening the water supply valve according to the water content measured by the sensor detecting a predetermined lower threshold value and the water content measured by the sensor detecting a predetermined upper limit threshold value. A drain valve opening step of opening the drain valve accordingly is further provided.

According to the cultivation apparatus and cultivation method of the present invention, the growth of epiphytes can be promoted by performing management according to the state of epiphytes.

It is a schematic diagram of the cultivation apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the water receiver in this embodiment, (a) is a perspective view, and (b) is a perspective view which arranged the tray inside the water receiver. It is a perspective view which shows the tray. It is a schematic cross-sectional view which shows the pot which contained the epiphyte. It is a schematic diagram which shows the modification of the cultivation apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the cultivation method of the cultivation apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the water level at the time of water supply and drainage in a water receiver, (a) shows the 1st water level, (b) shows the 2nd water level, and (c) shows the case of total drainage. It is a graph which shows the water content of the culture medium in this embodiment day by day. It is a spectral distribution map under each lighting condition, (a) shows lighting condition A, (b) shows lighting condition B, (c) shows lighting condition C, (d) shows lighting condition D, (E) indicates the lighting condition E. It is a graph comparing the flowering rate when the butterfly orchid is cultivated under each lighting condition, (a) is a graph comparing the flowering rate at the color temperature, and (b) is a graph comparing the flowering rate at the average PPFD value. Is.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The same or corresponding parts in the drawings are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will not be repeated.

(About cultivation equipment)
The cultivation apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the cultivation device 1.

The cultivation device 1 according to the present embodiment is used for cultivation of epiphytes 4. The epiphyte 4 is, for example, a plant of the family Orchidaceae, Bromeliaceae, Liliaceae and the like. In this embodiment, Phalaenopsis orchid and short mini Phalaenopsis orchid are used as the epiphyte 4. The cultivation device 1 is installed in a building, for example, in a greenhouse such as a vinyl house or a plastic house, or in a plant factory. In this case, the greenhouse may be formed of a material that does not allow sunlight to pass through, or may be formed of a material that takes in sunlight indoors.

The cultivation device 1 according to the present embodiment employs a bottom irrigation method in which water is impregnated from the bottom surface of the epiphyte 4. The cultivation device 1 generally includes a cultivation shelf 70, a water receiver 10 arranged on the cultivation shelf 70, and a storage container 40 arranged inside the water receiver 10 and accommodating the epiphyte 4.

The cultivation shelf 70 includes, for example, a plurality of pillars 72, a shelf 71 spanned over the plurality of pillars 72, and an upper frame 73 connecting the upper ends of the plurality of pillars 72. A water receiver 10 is arranged on the shelf 71. A lighting fixture 60 that irradiates light toward the epiphyte 4 is attached to the upper frame 73. Examples of the light source of the lighting fixture 60 include LEDs, fluorescent lamps, and light bulbs, but it is preferable to use LEDs. The lighting fixture 60 may limit the wavelength of light to be irradiated according to the growth of the plant, and details such as lighting conditions will be described later. The lighting fixture 60 is not limited to being attached to the upper frame 73, and may be simply located above the epiphyte 4.

With reference to FIG. 2A, the water receiver 10 has a box shape with an upper opening. The water receiver 10 is used to store the water necessary for the growth of the epiphyte 4. The water receiver 10 has a bottom surface 11 and a standing wall 12 surrounding the bottom surface 11. The bottom surface 11 has a rectangular shape. The standing wall 12 rises substantially vertically upward from the outer peripheral edge of the bottom surface 11. At the longitudinal end of the bottom surface 11, preferably one or more drainage ports 32 are provided. The material of the water receiver 10 is not particularly limited, and any material can be selected from resin, glass, stainless steel and the like. In the present embodiment, the shape of the bottom surface 11 of the water receiver 10 is not limited to a rectangular shape, but may be, for example, a circle or a square.

On the bottom surface 11 of the water receiver 10, a projecting portion 50 projecting upward from the bottom surface 11 of the water receiver 10 is provided. The protrusion 50 serves as a high-position support means for supporting the epiphyte 4 in a state of floating upward from the bottom surface 11 of the water receiver 10. The protrusion 50 is provided, for example, in a linear shape, and extends parallel to both sides of the bottom surface 11 of the water receiver 10 along the longitudinal direction. The height of the protrusion 50 is preferably half or less, preferably 1/4 or less of the height of the standing wall 12. The width of the protrusion 50 is preferably about 1/5 of the width of the bottom surface 11. As a result, the storage container 40 can be stably arranged. The protrusions 50 are not provided in a linear shape, but may be a plurality of protrusions having the same height and scattered in an island shape.

Of the bottom surface 11 of the water receiver 10, the protruding portion 50 is a raised bottom portion, and the portion other than the protruding portion 50 is a groove portion. Water can be stored in this groove even when the storage container 40 is arranged on the protrusion 50.

The cultivation device 1 according to the present embodiment is provided with a protrusion 50, and by setting the liquid level height of water to be equal to or lower than the height of the protrusion 50, the storage container 40 for accommodating the epiphyte 4 and the water can be separated from each other. Water can be stored in the water receiver 10 in a state where it is not in contact with the water receiver 10. As a result, the optimum humidity environment for the growth of the epiphyte 4 can be maintained indoors. In addition, since the roots are not immersed in water except when water is supplied, root rot can be prevented and the growth of the epiphyte 4 can be promoted. Due to such a growing environment, productivity and yield can be improved.

As described above, the storage container 40 is arranged on the protruding portion 50 of the water receiver 10. Hereinafter, the storage container 40 will be described. The storage container 40 includes a tray 41 and a pot 43. As shown in FIG. 2B, the tray 41 is housed in the water receiver 10. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the tray 41. As shown in FIG. 3, the tray 41 is a tray for raising seedlings, and is made of, for example, plastic. The tray 41 has a plurality of recesses 46 for accommodating the pot 43 described below. The recess 46 has a hole in the bottom 42 for allowing water to pass through. As the tray 41, a commercially available one can be used.

Further, when the tray 41 is arranged on the protrusion 50 of the water receiver 10, the height of the vertical wall 12 of the water receiver 10 described above is higher than the bottom 42 of the tray 41 supported by the protrusion 50. Therefore, since water can be stored up to a position higher than the bottom 42 of the tray 41, a sufficient amount of water can be reliably supplied to the growth of the epiphyte 4.

The pot 43 is housed in the recess 46 of the tray 41 of FIG. With reference to FIG. 4, the pot 43 houses the epiphyte 4 and the medium 45. The pot 43 is a seedling pot and is made of, for example, plastic. The pot 43 has a hole in the bottom 44 for allowing water to pass through. The medium 45 is typically sphagnum moss, but may be artificial soil or sponge. In the present embodiment, the tray 41 and the pot 43 are separate members, but the epiphyte 4 and the medium 45 may be directly accommodated in the tray 41 without using the pot 43.

The bottom 42 of the tray 41 and the bottom 44 of the pot 43 in this embodiment have holes. Therefore, when the tray 41 accommodating the pot 43 is arranged in the water receiver 10, when water is accumulated in the water receiver 10 due to water supply and the liquid level height of the water rises, the medium is formed from the holes in the bottoms 42 and 44 by the bottom irrigation method. Water permeates 45, and water is supplied to the settling plant 4. As a result, water can be evenly supplied to the epiphytes 4 housed in each pot 43.

A sensor 80 for measuring the water content of the medium 45 is inserted into the medium 45. The sensor 80 is a commercially available product such as a soil moisture meter (manufactured by SERAKU Co., Ltd., a soil moisture sensor attached to a green box) and a pF meter (manufactured by Daiki Rika Kogyo Co., Ltd., DIK-8343). The sensor 80 is inserted up to a position 2 to 3 cm above the medium 45 contained in the pot 43. The sensor 80 is inserted into the medium 45 of the representative strain selected from the plurality of pots 43 contained in the tray 41. In addition to measuring the water content of the medium 45, the temperature, humidity, illuminance, etc. in the greenhouse may be measured using a temperature / humidity sensor, an illuminance sensor, a temperature sensor, or the like.

With reference to FIG. 1, water is supplied to the water receiver 10 in which the epiphyte 4 is housed and drained. Specifically, the cultivation device 1 includes a water supply channel 20 for supplying water to the water receiver 10, a water supply valve 21 for opening and closing the water supply channel 20, a drainage channel 30 for draining the water collected in the water receiver 10, and drainage. It is provided with a drain valve 31 that opens and closes the road 30.

The water supply channel 20 is a pipe through which water passes, and has a water supply port 22 at its tip. The water supply port 22 is arranged above the water receiver 10. In this case, it is preferable that the water supply port 22 is provided at a position where water can be supplied to the water receiver 10 without directly touching the epiphyte 4 at the time of water supply. Further, the water supply port 22 is provided at one end of the water receiver 10 in the longitudinal direction. The water supplied from the water supply port 22 is typically water supplied from a pumping tank or a water supply, well water, or the like, but is a culture solution containing nutrients necessary for the growth of epiphytes 4. You may.

The water supply valve 21 adjusts the amount of water supplied from the water supply channel 20 to the water receiver 10, and is, for example, a valve. By opening the water supply valve 21, the water in the water supply channel 20 is supplied to the water receiver 10, and by closing the water supply valve 21, the water supply is stopped.

The drainage channel 30 is a pipe through which water passes, and has a drainage port 32 at its tip. The drain port 32 is arranged on the bottom surface 11 of the water receiver 10. In this case, it is preferable that one or more drainage ports 32 are provided on the bottom surface 11 of the water receiver 10. The drain port 32 is provided at the other end of the water receiver 10 in the longitudinal direction. As a result, since the water supply port 22 and the drainage port 32 are located at both ends of the water receiver 10, water can be efficiently supplied. The water discharged to the drainage channel 30 is discarded without being reused from the viewpoint of improving hygiene.

The water supply port 22 may be provided at one end in the longitudinal direction of the water receiver 10, and the drain port 32 may be provided at one end in the longitudinal direction of the water receiver 10. Specifically, the water supply port 22 and the drainage port 32 may be provided so as to be aligned in the vertical direction on one side of the water receiver 10 in the longitudinal direction. As a result, the water supply port 22 and the drainage port 32 are concentrated on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the water receiver 10, so that the appearance is neat. In addition, since there is a margin in the space on the other end side of the water receiver 10 in the longitudinal direction, the work can be performed easily and efficiently.

The drain valve 31 regulates the amount of drainage of water discharged from the water receiver 10, and is, for example, a valve. By opening the drain valve 31, the water accumulated in the water receiver 10 is discharged to the drainage channel 30, and by closing the drain valve 31, the drainage of water is stopped.

The water supply valve 21 and the drain valve 31 can be opened and closed automatically. In this case, the cultivation device 1 opens and closes the water supply valve control unit that controls the opening and closing of the water supply valve 21 according to the water content measured by the sensor 80, and the drain valve 31 according to the water content measured by the sensor 80. It is equipped with a drain valve control unit to control.

The water supply valve control unit supplies water when the medium 45 is dry. Specifically, the water supply valve control unit opens the water supply valve 21 when the water content measured by the sensor 80 is equal to or less than a predetermined lower limit threshold value. The lower threshold of the water content is 5 to 15%, preferably 10%. When the water supply valve 21 is opened, water is supplied from the water supply channel 20 to the water receiver 10. When the water supply valve 21 is closed, the supply of water from the water supply channel 20 to the water receiver 10 is stopped.

The drain valve control unit drains the medium 45 when it contains sufficient water. Specifically, the drain valve control unit opens the drain valve 31 when the water content measured by the sensor 80 is equal to or less than a predetermined upper limit threshold value. The upper threshold of the water content is 25 to 45%, preferably 25%. When the drain valve 31 is opened, the water collected in the water receiver 10 is drained to the drainage channel 30. When the drain valve 31 is closed, drainage from the water receiver 10 to the drainage channel 30 is stopped, and water can be stored in the water receiver 10.

The cultivation device 1 according to the present embodiment can automatically manage the epiphyte 4 according to the state of the epiphyte by using the water supply valve control unit and the drainage valve control unit, and root rot due to excessive water supply. It is possible to prevent the growth of the epiphyte 4 and promote the growth of the epiphyte 4.

(About modification)
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a cultivation device 100 provided with a plurality of shelves 71. In this embodiment, a type having one shelf 71 is used as the cultivation shelf 70, but a cultivation shelf 700 having a plurality of shelves 71 may be used. As shown in FIG. 5, the cultivation device 100 includes a plurality of pillars 72 and two shelves 71 fixed to the plurality of pillars 72 and provided at intervals in the vertical direction. Although it is decided that the shelves 71 are provided in two stages, the shelves 71 having three or more stages may be provided, and the mechanism is the same even if the number of shelves 71 increases. This makes it possible to improve the cultivation efficiency per area.

The vertical spacing of the shelves 71 is appropriately adjusted depending on the species of the epiphyte 4. For example, in the case of a mini Phalaenopsis orchid, the height of the mini Phalaenopsis orchid is about 20 cm, so the interval at which the shelves 71 are provided is, for example, 30 cm. As described above, the cultivation device 100 can be suitably used for the epiphyte 4 having a particularly short stature.

In the case of the multi-stage cultivation device 100, the water supply port 22 of the water supply channel 20 is arranged above the water receiver 10 provided on each shelf 71. Further, the drainage port 32 of the drainage channel 30 is arranged on the bottom surface 11 of the water receiver 10 provided on each shelf 71. That is, the water supply channel 20 supplies water to each water receiver 10, and the drainage channel 30 drains the water accumulated in each water receiver 10. In this case, the water supply valve 21 and the drain valve 31 may be provided at positions that can be adjusted for each water receiver 10, and the water supply and drainage of all the water receivers 10 provided on the cultivation shelf 700 can be collectively controlled. It may be provided at various positions.

Further, in the case of the multi-stage cultivation device 100, the lighting fixture 60 is attached not only to the upper frame 73 but also to the lower surface of the shelf 71 located above the settling plant 4. As a result, it is possible to irradiate the epiphyte 4 with light, and even when a plurality of shelves 71 are provided, it is possible to secure a light source necessary for the growth of the epiphyte 4 located below. ..

When cultivating using the lighting fixture 60 in a greenhouse, the room temperature rises more than necessary due to the heat generated from the lighting fixture 60. In this case, it is necessary to cool the room using a cooling device. When a cooling device is used, the indoor humidity is lowered due to its dehumidifying action, which adversely affects the growth of epiphytes 4 such as mini Phalaenopsis orchids. The cultivation device 1 of the present embodiment can store water up to a liquid level height equal to or lower than the height of the protrusion 50 of the water receiver 10 even when the water is not supplied. Therefore, even if the cooling device is used, the humidity in the greenhouse can be maintained, and the growing environment of the epiphyte 4 can be kept good.

(About cultivation method)
Next, a method of cultivating the epiphyte 4 using the cultivation device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a cultivation method of the cultivation apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a water level at the time of water supply and drainage in the present embodiment, and FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram. The first water level is shown, (b) shows the second water level, and (c) shows the case of total drainage. The following cultivation methods are performed manually.

First, the tray 41 containing the epiphytes 4 is installed on the protruding portion 50 so as to be floated from the bottom surface 11 of the water receiver 10 (step S (hereinafter abbreviated as “S”) 1). Specifically, the pot 43 is housed in the recess 46 of the tray 41, and the tray 41 is placed on the protruding portion 50 of the water receiver 10. The sensor 80 is inserted into the medium 45 in the pot 43 housed in the tray 41, and the water content of the medium 45 is measured. When the water content of the medium 45 is a predetermined lower limit, that is, 10% or less (S2), the water supply valve 21 is opened and water supply is started (S4). Immediately after installing the tray 41, the step (S3) of draining all the water from the water receiver 10 can be omitted.

After the start of water supply, it is determined whether or not the water level has risen to the position of the first water level D1 shown in FIG. 7 (a) (S5). In this case, the height of the first water level D1 is about 7 minutes from the height of the pot 43, but it may be such that water permeates the medium 45. The measurement of the first water level D1 is typically performed by visual inspection of the water level by a person. For example, the water level in the water receiver 10 is measured by a float sensor, the amount of water in the water receiver 10 is measured by a weight sensor, and the water supply channel 20 is measured. The amount of water supplied from the water is measured by a flow meter, the water supply time is controlled by a timer, and so on. If the first water level is less than D1 (NO in S5), water supply is continued. When the supplied water reaches the first water level D1 (YES in S5), the water supply is stopped (S6). The water is left in a state of being stored up to the first water level D1 for several minutes to several hours, and the medium 45 is infiltrated with water.

After leaving it for several minutes to several hours, the water content of the medium 45 is measured by the sensor 80. When the water content of the medium 45 is a predetermined upper threshold value, that is, 25% or more (S7), the drain valve 31 is opened and drainage is started (S8). After the start of drainage, it is determined whether or not the water level has dropped to the position of the second water level D2 shown in FIG. 7 (b) (S9). The height of the second water level D2 is below the bottom 42 of the tray 41 and above the bottom 11 of the water receiver 10. That is, the height of the second water level D2 is the height at which the medium 45 and the water do not come into contact with each other. If the water level is higher than the second water level D2 (NO in S9), drainage will continue. When the water level drops to the second water level D2 (YES in S9), drainage stops (S10). From the viewpoint of improving hygiene, all the drained water is discarded without being reused. The measurement of the second water level D2 is the same as the above-mentioned measurement method of the first water level D1.

With water stored up to the second water level D2, leave it for about 1 to 2 weeks. Then, the water content of the medium 45 is measured again with the sensor 80. When the water content of the medium 45 is 10% or less (S2), as shown in FIG. 7 (c), all the water accumulated up to the second water level D2 is drained (S3). After drainage, water supply is started again (S4), and the same work is performed thereafter. The above operation is repeated until the epiphyte 4 grows to a state where it can be shipped.

Although the cultivation method to be carried out manually has been described above, it may be carried out automatically by a signal from the control device.

When the above steps are performed automatically, a water supply valve control unit and a drain valve control unit are used. The water supply valve control unit opens the water supply valve 21 in response to the detection that the water content of the medium 45 measured by the sensor 80 in S2 is 10% (water supply valve opening step). When the water supply valve control unit detects that the water level has risen to the position of the first water level D1 (YES in S5), the water supply valve control unit closes the water supply valve 21.

Further, the drainage control unit opens the drainage valve 31 in response to the detection that the water content of the medium 45 measured by the sensor 80 in S7 is 25% (drainage valve opening step). When the drain valve control unit detects that the water level has dropped to the position of the second water level D2 (YES in S9), the drain valve control unit closes the drain valve 31.

In this way, by storing water up to the first water level D1 by the bottom irrigation method, water can be evenly supplied to the epiphytes 4 housed in the tray 41 in the water receiver 10, and water can be supplied once. Water can be supplied to all epiphytes 4 in the water receiver 10. Therefore, the labor required for the water supply work can be saved. Because of such a cultivation method, not only healthy people but also elderly people and people with disabilities can engage in cultivation work.

According to the cultivation method in the present embodiment, water is maintained at the second water level D2 even when water is not supplied to the epiphyte 4. As a result, the optimum humidity environment for the growth of the epiphyte 4 can be maintained in the greenhouse. Further, since the roots of the epiphyte 4 are not immersed in water except when water is supplied, root rot can be prevented and the growth of the epiphyte 4 can be promoted. Due to such a growing environment, productivity and yield can be improved.

Further, in the cultivation method of the present embodiment, all the water accumulated up to the second water level D2 is drained once before the second and subsequent water supply is performed. As a result, the hygienic environment of the cultivation device 1 can be maintained, and the pathogen can be prevented from spreading to the entire epiphyte 4.

(About the upper and lower thresholds of water content)
Here, an experiment in which the upper limit threshold value and the lower limit threshold value of the water content of the medium 45 are calculated will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the water content of the medium 45 was measured by the sensor 80 inserted into the medium 45 in the pot 43 containing the epiphyte 4.

The sensor 80 used in this experiment is a soil moisture meter (manufactured by SERAKU Co., Ltd., a soil moisture sensor attached to a green box) and a pF meter (manufactured by Daiki Rika Kogyo Co., Ltd., DIK-8343). The water content of the soil moisture sensor was measured at 2-minute intervals, and the daily average was recorded. At the same time, the water content of the pF meter was also measured and recorded. As for the value of the pF meter, a value of less than pF1.7 indicates a wet state, a value of pF1.7 to 2.3 indicates an intermediate state that is neither a dry state nor a wet state, and a value of more than pF2.3 indicates a dry state. .. The correlation between the number of days elapsed and the water content of the medium 45 was grasped. FIG. 8 is a graph showing the water content of the medium 45 on a daily basis.

As shown in FIG. 8, on the 5th day, the water content of the medium 45 measured by the soil moisture sensor was 10%, and the value of the pF meter in this case was pF2.3 or more. When the value of the pF meter is pF2.3 or more, it indicates a dry state. Therefore, when the water content measured by the soil moisture sensor is 10% or less, it is found to be a dry state. In this case, we decided to supply water.

After water supply, drainage was performed on the same day. On the 6th day after drainage, the water content of the medium 45 measured by the soil moisture sensor increased to 30%, and on the 7th day, the water content of the medium 45 further increased to 45%. From the 8th day, the water content of the medium 45 gradually decreased. When the water content of the medium 45 was 30%, the value of the pF meter showed a pF of less than 1.7. When the value of the pF meter is less than pF 1.7, it indicates a wet state. Therefore, when the water content of the medium 45 is 30% or more, it is found to be a wet state. After that, the water content of the medium 45 gradually decreased from the 8th to the 20th day, and returned to the dry state.

Further, between the 5th day and the 6th day, the water content of the medium 45 was 25%, and the value of the pF meter in this case was pF1.7. As described above, when the value of the pF meter is pF1.7, it indicates an intermediate state, and therefore, when the water content of the medium 45 is 25% or more, it is found to be a wet state. From the above, it was found that when the water content of the medium 45 measured by the soil moisture sensor was 25 to 45%, it was in a wet state. When water supply and drainage were repeated under the above conditions, there was no strain that caused root rot, and flowering of the settled plant 4 was confirmed. From the above experiments, it was found that the upper limit threshold value of the water content of the medium 45 measured by the soil moisture sensor was 25%, and the lower limit threshold value was 10%.

(About lighting conditions of lighting equipment)
Next, an experiment for investigating lighting conditions suitable for flowering will be described. A plurality of test plots with lighting conditions A to E were set, and the flowering ratio of the epiphyte 4 in each test plot was confirmed. Table 1 described later is a table showing the average photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD, unit: μmol / m ² / s), RGB ratio, and color temperature (K) under each illumination condition A to E.

A mini Phalaenopsis orchid was used as the epiphyte 4. The mini Phalaenopsis orchid used had flower buds formed by about 5 cm by low temperature treatment. Further, it is assumed that the mini Phalaenopsis orchid is housed in a pot 43 having a diameter of 6 cm, the pot 43 is housed in a tray 41, and the tray 41 is housed in a water receiver 10. Seven mini Phalaenopsis orchids were prepared in each test plot.

The luminaire 60 used a long LED. Specifically, two types of LEDs, NEXLIGHT BAR / R (manufactured by Toyokawa Greenhouse Co., Ltd.) and tecoldG (manufactured by Toshin Electric Co., Ltd.), were used. In addition, NEXLIGHT BAR / R is a red and white LED, and tecoldG is a white LED. Using these lighting fixtures 60, the lighting conditions A to E were set as shown in Table 1 below. For the lighting conditions A to E, the average PPFD value (μmol / m ² / s), the RGB ratio and the color temperature (K) were measured. The average PPFD value (μmol / m ² / s) and the RGB ratio were measured at a position 300 mm away from the LED irradiation surface using an RGB photon meter Model-101EG (manufactured by Nippon Medical Instruments Mfg. Co., Ltd.). The color temperature (K) and the spectral distribution were measured with a color illuminance meter CL-70F (manufactured by Konica Minolta Co., Ltd.).

With reference to Table 1, the case where two NEXLIGHT BAR / R were used was set as the lighting condition A. Under the illumination condition A, the average PPFD value was 160.8 (μmol / m ² / s), the RGB ratio was 81: 11: 8, and the color temperature was 1997K.

The case where one NEXLIGHT BAR / R and two steeled G were used was defined as the lighting condition B. Under the illumination condition B, the average PPFD value was 160.6 (μmol / m ² / s), the RGB ratio was 62:24:14, and the color temperature was 3562K.

The case where four tecold Gs were used was set as the lighting condition C. Under the illumination condition C, the average PPFD value was 149.4 (μmol / m ² / s), the RGB ratio was 40:39:21, and the color temperature was 5159K.

The case where one NEXLIGHT BAR / R was used was set as the lighting condition D. Under the illumination condition D, the average PPFD value was 92.2 (μmol / m ² / s), the RGB ratio was 81: 11: 8, and the color temperature was 1979K.

The case where three NEXLIGHT BAR / R were used was set as the lighting condition E. Under the illumination condition E, the average PPFD value was 219.7 (μmol / m ² / s), the RGB ratio was 81: 11: 8, and the color temperature was 1975K.

9A and 9B are spectral distribution diagrams under each lighting condition, where (a) is lighting condition A, (b) is lighting condition B, (c) is lighting condition C, (d) is lighting condition D, and (e) is. The spectral distribution map of the illumination condition E is shown. With reference to FIG. 9, the X-axis represents the wavelength (nm) and the Y-axis represents the relative value. Generally, 380 nm to 430 nm is purple, 430 nm to 460 nm is indigo, 460 nm to 500 nm is blue, 500 nm to 570 nm is green, 570 nm to 590 nm is yellow, 590 nm to 610 nm is orange, and 610 to 750 nm is red. Represents. The waveform of the absorption spectrum shows how many colors of light are contained, and the color temperature (K) is a quantitative numerical value of the color of this light. For example, white light shows a continuous spectrum including blue, green, and red evenly, and the color temperature is about 5000K.

As described above, FIGS. 9A, 9D, and 9E are spectral distribution diagrams of the illumination conditions A, D, and E. The lighting conditions A, D, and E use only the NEXLIGHT BAR / R of the red and white LEDs as the light source. As shown in FIGS. 9A, 9D, and 9E, the illumination conditions A, D, and E include a continuous spectrum peculiar to a white LED, but all of them have an absorption maximum at 660 nm. , It turned out that the lighting conditions are mainly red and the lighting conditions are about the sunrise and sunset. From this, it was found that the color temperatures of the illumination conditions A, D, and E were all about 1970 to 2000K.

FIG. 9B is a spectral distribution diagram of the illumination condition B. The lighting condition B uses NEXLIGHT BAR / R of red and white LEDs and tecold G of white LEDs as light sources. Illumination condition B (FIG. 9 (b)) shows a continuous spectrum in which blue and green are evenly included while having absorption mainly in red, indicating that the illumination condition is about warm white. rice field. From this, it was found that the color temperature of the illumination condition B was about 3500K.

FIG. 9C is a spectral distribution diagram of the illumination condition C. The lighting condition C uses only the white LED tecoldG as a light source. Illumination condition C (FIG. 9 (c)) shows a continuous spectrum in which blue, green, and red are evenly included, with little absorption in the long wavelength region. Therefore, the illumination condition is about neutral white, mainly white. It turned out to be. From this, it was found that the color temperature of the illumination condition C was about 5000K.

Among these lighting conditions A to E, an experiment was conducted to investigate lighting conditions suitable for flowering using lighting conditions A, B, and C having different color temperatures (K). FIG. 10 is a graph comparing the flowering rates (%) when Phalaenopsis orchid is cultivated for 60 days, and FIG. 10 (a) is a graph when cultivated under different lighting conditions A, B, and C with different color temperatures (K). Yes, (b) is a graph when cultivated under lighting conditions A, D, and E having different average PPFD values. In addition, in FIGS. 10 (a) and 10 (b), the description before 30 days is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 10A, the test plots under the lighting conditions A, B, and C did not bloom until the 49th day, and gradually started to bloom after 49 days. Furthermore, it was found that the flowering rate was 57.1% to 100.0% on the 60th day. Specifically, on the 60th day, the flowering rate was 100% in the case of the lighting condition A, the flowering rate was 85.7% in the case of the lighting condition B, and the flowering rate was 57.1% in the case of the lighting condition C. That is, it was found that the flowering rate changed depending on the color temperature (K), and the color temperature (K) suitable for flowering of mini Phalaenopsis orchid was found to be about 2000K to 5200K.

In addition, an experiment was conducted to investigate lighting conditions suitable for flowering using lighting conditions A, D, and E having different average PPFD values (μmol / m ² / s) among the lighting conditions A to E. As shown in FIG. 10 (b), the test plots under the lighting conditions A, D, and E did not bloom until the 49th day, and gradually started to bloom after 49 days. Furthermore, it was found that the flowering rate was 71.4% to 100.0% on the 60th day. Specifically, on the 60th day, the flowering rate was 100.0% in the case of lighting condition A, the flowering rate was 85.7% in the case of lighting condition D, and the flowering rate was 57.1% in the case of lighting condition E. .. That is, it was found that the flowering rate changes depending on the average PPFD value (μmol / m ² / s), and the average PPFD value (μmol / m ² / s) suitable for flowering of mini Phalaenopsis orchids is about 90 μmol / m ² / s. It was found to be s to 220 μmol / m ² / s.

The high-position support means in the present embodiment is not limited to the protruding portion 50 provided on the bottom surface 11 of the water receiver 10. As the high-position support means, legs may be provided on the bottom 42 of the storage container 40 such as the tray 41. In this case, the height position of the legs is lower than the height of the standing wall 12 of the water receiver 10 and is a position floating above the bottom surface 11 of the water receiver 10.

Further, although the lighting fixture 60 is provided in the present embodiment, the lighting fixture 60 may not be provided. That is, the epiphyte 4 cultivated by the cultivation device 1 according to the present embodiment may be cultivated using sunlight as a light source. Further, the epiphyte 4 may be cultivated by providing a lighting fixture 60 only in a part of the greenhouse and using it as an auxiliary.

Further, in the above embodiment, it is assumed that all the water stored up to the second water level D2 of the water receiver 10 is drained before the water is supplied, but this step is not essential. That is, water may be supplied without draining the water stored up to the second water level D2 of the water receiver 10.

Further, although the water used in the cultivation apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is drained without being reused, the water supplied to the water receiver 10 may be reused water.

The cultivation apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is limited to, but is not limited to, supplying and draining water according to the water content measured by the sensor 80 that measures the water content of the medium 45 of the epiphyte 4. For example, water may be supplied and drained by visually or by touching the state of the medium 45 without using the sensor 80.

The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered to be exemplary in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown by the scope of claims rather than the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

1 cultivation equipment, 4 vegetative plants, 10 water receivers, 11 bottoms, 12 standing walls, 20 water supply channels, 21 water supply valves, 22 water supply ports, 30 drainage channels, 31 drainage valves, 32 drainage ports, 40 storage containers, 41 trays, 42, 44 bottom, 43 pots, 45 media, 46 recesses, 50 protrusions, 60 lighting fixtures, 70 cultivation shelves, 71 shelves, 72 pillars, 73 top frames, 80 sensors, 100 cultivation equipment, 700 cultivation shelves.

Claims (5)

It is an epiphyte cultivation device installed in the building.
Cultivation shelves with multiple shelves and
A water receiver provided on each of the multiple shelves and having a bottom surface,
A water supply channel that supplies water to each of the water receivers,
A water supply valve that can adjust the opening and closing of the water supply channel for each water receiver,
A drainage channel for draining the water collected in each of the water receivers,
With a drain valve that can adjust the opening and closing of the drainage channel for each water receiver,
A high-position support means for accommodating the epiphytes and supporting the accommodating container having a hole for passing water at the bottom while floating upward from the bottom surface of the water receiver.
A lighting fixture located above the epiphyte and irradiating the epiphyte with light .
A sensor for measuring the water content of the epiphyte medium and
A water supply valve control unit that controls to open the water supply valve when the water content measured by the sensor becomes equal to or less than a predetermined lower limit threshold value.
It is provided with a drain valve control unit that controls to open the drain valve when the water content measured by the sensor exceeds a predetermined upper limit threshold value .
A cultivation device in which a portion of the bottom surface other than the high-position support means is an area for storing water. The water receiver further has a standing wall surrounding the bottom surface.
The cultivation device according to claim 1, wherein the height of the standing wall is higher than the bottom of the storage container supported by the high position support means. The cultivation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the high-position support means is provided on the bottom surface of the water receiver and is a protruding portion protruding upward from the bottom surface of the water receiver. It is a method of cultivating epiphytes cultivated on a cultivation shelf having multiple shelves in a building.
A step of supporting the epiphyte while floating from the bottom surface of each water receiver provided on each of the plurality of shelves.
The step of measuring the water content of the medium in the container containing the epiphytes with a sensor, and
When the water content measured by the sensor becomes equal to or less than a predetermined lower limit, water is supplied to the water receiver from the water supply channel, and the liquid level height of the water collected in the water receiver is the bottom of the storage container. The process of supplying water so that it comes above
When the water content measured by the sensor becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined upper limit, the water collected in the water receiver is drained to the drainage channel, and the liquid level height of the water collected in the water receiver is the storage container. A cultivation method comprising a step of draining water accumulated in the water receiver so as to be maintained below the bottom of the water receiver and above the bottom surface of the water receiver. A water supply valve opening step of opening the water supply valve according to the detection of a predetermined lower limit threshold value of the water content measured by the sensor, and a water supply valve opening step.
The cultivation method according to claim 4 , further comprising a drain valve opening step of opening the drain valve according to the detection of a predetermined upper limit threshold value of the water content measured by the sensor.

Images