JP7828071B2 - Cultivation tray and plant cultivation method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a cultivation tray and a method for cultivating plants. The present invention is useful for hydroponic cultivation of plants using a culture medium.

Soil-based nutrient cultivation is practiced in plant factories. For example, solid medium cultivation, which uses a solid medium instead of soil, and hydroponic cultivation, which does not use a medium, are both used in plant factories.

As a cultivation tray for hydroponic cultivation, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a cultivation tray for hydroponic cultivation. This cultivation tray has a reservoir section for storing nutrient solution and a plant holder with multiple openings for holding plant seedlings.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-141566

On the other hand, cultivation trays for hydroponic culture using a culture medium require a different configuration than those for hydroponic culture. The object of the present invention is to provide a cultivation tray for hydroponic culture using a culture medium with a new configuration, and a method for cultivating plants.

One aspect of the present invention is a cultivation tray for holding plant seedlings and hydroponically cultivating the plants. The cultivation tray comprises a tray body and a laminated structure provided on the tray body. The laminated structure has a structure in which a water-absorbent first sheet material, a first culture medium, and a second culture medium are laminated in this order. The first sheet material is capable of absorbing nutrient solution and supplying the nutrient solution to the first culture medium, and the cultivation tray allows the roots of the plants to grow in a planar manner between the first culture medium and the second culture medium.

The medium referred to here refers to a solid medium other than soil.
The cultivation tray of this embodiment includes a laminated structure, in which a water-absorbent first sheet material, a first culture medium, and a second culture medium are laminated in this order. The first sheet material is capable of absorbing nutrient solution and supplying the nutrient solution to the first culture medium, and is configured to allow plant roots to extend in a planar manner between the first and second culture media. According to this embodiment, plant roots can be extended over a wide area, allowing plants to be efficiently grown in a nutrient solution.

Preferably, the tray body has a liquid storage section for storing nutrient solution, and a portion of the first sheet material is in contact with the liquid storage section, thereby supplying nutrient solution from the liquid storage section to the first sheet material, and further supplying the nutrient solution from the first sheet material to the first culture medium.

Preferably, the tray body has a liquid drainage hole adjacent to the liquid storage section for draining excess nutrient solution.

Preferably, the laminated structure further includes a second sheet material, with the first sheet material, the first culture medium, the second culture medium, and the second sheet material laminated in this order.

Preferably, the tray body has a groove portion consisting of a plurality of parallel grooves, and the laminated structure is provided so that the first sheet material contacts the groove portion.

Preferably, the bottom surface of the tray body is provided with at least two guide rollers positioned on the same straight line, and the tray body can be moved along a predetermined path by being guided by the guide rollers.

Preferably, the tray further includes a seedling holding member for holding the plant seedlings, and the stacked structure is provided between the tray body and the seedling holding member.

Preferably, the seedling holding member has an opening for inserting the seedling and a recess for supporting the stem of the seedling.

Preferably, the seedling holding member has an L-shaped cross section, including a first plate portion and a second plate portion arranged approximately perpendicular to the first plate portion, the opening being provided in the first plate portion, and the recess being provided in the second plate portion.

Preferably, the seedling holding member includes a first seedling holding member and a second seedling holding member, which are arranged opposite each other.

Preferably, an inner panel is provided between the first seedling holding member and the second seedling holding member, with one end face of the inner panel contacting the first seedling holding member and the other end face contacting the second seedling holding member.

Preferably, the tray body is provided with ventilation holes, which are located opposite the inner panel.

Preferably, the tray body has a liquid storage section for storing nutrient solution, a portion of the first sheet material contacting the liquid storage section, thereby supplying nutrient solution from the liquid storage section to the first sheet material, and the nutrient solution from the first sheet material to the first culture medium. The tray further has seedling holding members for holding the plant seedlings, the laminated structure being provided between the tray body and the seedling holding members, the seedling holding members including a first seedling holding member and a second seedling holding member arranged opposite each other, and an inner panel being provided between the first seedling holding member and the second seedling holding member, with one end face of the inner panel contacting the first seedling holding member and the other end face contacting the second seedling holding member.

Another aspect of the present invention is a cultivation tray for holding plant seedlings and hydroponically cultivating the plants, comprising a tray body and a laminated structure provided on the tray body, the laminated structure having a structure in which a first culture medium and a second culture medium are laminated, capable of supplying nutrient solution to the first culture medium, and allowing the roots of the plants to grow in a planar manner between the first culture medium and the second culture medium.

The cultivation tray of this embodiment has a laminated structure, which has a structure in which a first culture medium and a second culture medium are stacked. The first culture medium can be supplied with nutrient solution, and the tray is configured to allow plant roots to grow in a planar manner between the first and second culture media. According to this embodiment, plant roots can be grown over a wide area, allowing plants to be grown in a nutrient solution efficiently.

Another aspect of the present invention is a method for hydroponically cultivating plants using culture media, comprising the steps of: providing a layered structure in which a water-absorbent first sheet material, a first culture medium, and a second culture medium are layered in this order; allowing the first sheet material to absorb nutrient solution and supplying the nutrient solution to the first culture medium; and allowing the roots of the plant to grow in a planar fashion between the first culture medium and the second culture medium.

In this embodiment of the plant cultivation method, a laminated structure is used in which a water-absorbent first sheet material, a first culture medium, and a second culture medium are layered in this order. Nutrient solution is absorbed into the first sheet material, and the nutrient solution is supplied to the first culture medium, causing the plant roots to grow in a planar fashion between the first and second culture media. According to this embodiment, plant roots can be grown over a wide area, allowing plants to be grown in a nutrient solution efficiently.

Preferably, the laminated structure further includes a second sheet material, with the first sheet material, the first culture medium, the second culture medium, and the second sheet material laminated in this order.

Another aspect of the present invention is a plant cultivation method for hydroponically cultivating plants using a cultivation tray, comprising the steps of: providing the cultivation tray with a first sheet material; allowing the first sheet material to absorb nutrient solution and supplying the nutrient solution to the first medium; and allowing the roots of the plant to grow in a planar manner between the first medium and the second medium.

In this embodiment of the plant cultivation method, the cultivation tray described above is equipped with a first sheet material, and the nutrient solution is absorbed into the first sheet material and supplied to the first culture medium, causing the plant roots to grow in a planar fashion between the first and second culture media. According to this embodiment, the plant roots can be grown over a wide area, allowing plants to be grown in a nutrient solution efficiently.

Preferably, the tray body has a liquid storage section for storing nutrient solution, and a portion of the first sheet material is in contact with the liquid storage section, thereby supplying nutrient solution from the liquid storage section to the first sheet material, and further supplying the nutrient solution from the first sheet material to the first culture medium.

Preferably, the laminated structure further includes a second sheet material, with the first sheet material, the first culture medium, the second culture medium, and the second sheet material laminated in this order.

Another aspect of the present invention is a method for cultivating plants in a nutrient solution using a culture medium, comprising the steps of providing a layered structure in which a first culture medium and a second culture medium are layered, supplying a nutrient solution to the first culture medium, and allowing the roots of the plant to grow in a planar manner between the first culture medium and the second culture medium.

In this embodiment of the plant cultivation method, a layered structure in which a first culture medium and a second culture medium are stacked is used, and nutrient solution is supplied to the first culture medium, causing the plant's roots to grow in a planar manner between the first and second culture media. According to this embodiment, the plant's roots can be grown over a wide area, allowing for efficient hydroponic cultivation of plants.

Another aspect of the present invention is a method for cultivating plants in a nutrient solution using a cultivation tray, the method comprising the steps of: providing the cultivation tray with a layered structure in which a first culture medium and a second culture medium are stacked; supplying a nutrient solution to the first culture medium; and extending the roots of the plant in a planar manner between the first culture medium and the second culture medium.

In this embodiment of the plant cultivation method, the above-mentioned cultivation tray is used, which has a layered structure in which a first culture medium and a second culture medium are stacked. Nutrient solution is supplied to the first culture medium, and plant roots are allowed to grow in a planar manner between the first and second culture media. According to this embodiment, plant roots can be grown over a wide area, allowing plants to be grown in a nutrient solution efficiently.

The present invention enables efficient hydroponic cultivation of plants using a culture medium.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a cultivation tray according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the cultivation tray shown in FIG. 1 . FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the cultivation tray shown in FIG. 1 . FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the cultivation tray shown in FIG. 1 . FIG. FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tray body as seen from the bottom side. FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a part of FIG. 5 . FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the tray body with the guide rollers and carrier rollers attached. 1A is a perspective view of the seedling holding member as seen from the top side, FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the seedling holding member as seen from the bottom side, and FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A in FIG. 1A. 1A is a perspective view of the inner panel as seen from the top side, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the inner panel as seen from the bottom side. 1A is a perspective view of a laminated structure, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional perspective view of the laminated structure. (a) is a plan view of the first sheet material, showing its positional relationship with the liquid storage portion, (b) is a plan view of the first medium, (c) is a plan view of the second medium, and (d) is a plan view of the second sheet material. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a first sheet material and a part of a liquid storage portion, showing a state in which the piece is in contact with the liquid storage portion. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a method for cultivating a plant using the cultivation tray of FIG. 1. 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing seedlings used in a second embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) shows the seedlings grown in a pot, and (b) shows the seedlings removed from the pot. 10A and 10B show a laminated structure used in a second embodiment, in which FIG. 10A is a perspective view of the laminated structure, and FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional perspective view of the laminated structure. 18 shows the first sheet material, the first medium, the second medium, and the second sheet material that constitute the laminated structure shown in Fig. 17, where (a) is a plan view of the first sheet material and also shows its positional relationship with the liquid storage portion, (b) is a plan view of the first medium, (c) is a plan view of the second medium, and (d) is a plan view of the second sheet material. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a method for cultivating plants using a cultivation tray according to a second embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that, to facilitate understanding of the invention, the size and thickness of each part and component in each drawing are exaggerated and may not necessarily correspond to the actual size and proportions. Furthermore, in the following description, the up/down, left/right, and front/back (front and back) directions are based on the position in Figure 1. Furthermore, the left/right direction in Figure 1 may be referred to as the first direction, the front/back direction as the second direction, and the up/down direction as the third direction.

The cultivation tray 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, shown in Figures 1 to 4, comprises a tray body 2, a pair of seedling holding members 3, 3, and an inner panel 5. The tray body 2, seedling holding members 3, 3, and inner panel 5 are all made of lightweight resin such as polystyrene foam. The cultivation tray 1 also comprises a laminated structure 8 between the tray body 2, the seedling holding members 3, 3, and the inner panel 5, which functions as a culture medium to support plant roots. Furthermore, the cultivation tray 1 comprises a guide roller 6 and a carrier roller 7 on its bottom side.

2, the outer shape of the cultivation tray 1 is rectangular in plan view. Furthermore, when viewed from above, the cultivation tray 1 is point-symmetric with respect to the intersection of the diagonals of the rectangle, in other words, it is symmetrical both left-right and up-down.
The cultivation tray 1 is broadly divided into a cultivation area X, which is mainly used for cultivating plants, and a harvesting area Y, which is mainly used for harvesting cultivated products. The cultivation area X is an area where the seedling holding members 3, 3, the inner panel 5, and the laminated structure 8 are installed, and is located in the center in a planar view. On the other hand, the harvesting area Y is an area mainly formed by the flat portion 26 (described below) of the tray main body 2, and is located on both sides of the cultivation area X in a planar view.

As shown in Figures 5 to 9, the tray body 2 is a container that opens upward. As shown in Figure 6, the tray body 2 also has a rectangular outer shape in a plan view. Furthermore, when viewed from above, the tray body 2 is point-symmetrical about the intersection of the diagonals of the rectangle, or in other words, it is symmetrical left-right and up-down.
The same is true for the bottom surface (rear surface) of the tray main body 2. As shown in Figure 7, when the tray main body 2 is viewed from the bottom without the guide rollers 6 and carrier rollers 7 attached, it is point-symmetrical about the intersection of the diagonals of the outer rectangular shape, in other words, it is symmetrical left and right and top and bottom.
The length (width, the long side of the rectangle) of the tray body 2 in the left-right direction (first direction) is, for example, about 700 to 900 mm, the length (depth, the short side of the rectangle) in the front-to-back direction (second direction) is, for example, about 500 to 700 mm, and the length (height) in the up-to-down direction (third direction) is, for example, about 90 to 110 mm.
The tray body 2 is integrally molded from a resin such as polystyrene foam.

The inside of the tray body 2 is provided with ventilation holes 10, a liquid storage section 11, a liquid drainage hole 12, and a groove section 15.

A raised portion 25 extending in the front-to-rear direction (second direction) is provided in the center of the inside of the tray main body 2. The raised portion 25 is provided with ventilation holes 10. The ventilation holes 10 are through-holes that are elongated in plan view. In this embodiment, five ventilation holes 10 are provided, and these are arranged in series. The top surface of the raised portion 25 is a horizontal surface.
By blowing cool or warm air through the ventilation holes 10, the temperature of the cultivation environment can be adjusted.

The length of the opening of the ventilation hole 10 in the left-right direction (short direction, first direction) is, for example, approximately 5 to 7% of the width of the tray main body 2. The length of the opening of the ventilation hole 10 in the front-to-back direction (longitudinal direction, second direction) is, for example, approximately 10 to 15% of the depth of the tray main body 2.

Two liquid storage sections 11 are provided adjacent to the raised portion 25. The liquid storage sections 11 are formed as elongated rectangular depressions in a plan view, and extend in the front-to-rear direction (second direction) of the tray body 2. The two liquid storage sections 11 are arranged symmetrically on either side of the raised portion 25 in a plan view.
8, the liquid storage section 11 is surrounded by a bottom wall 16, a first side wall 17 formed from the side surface of the raised portion 25, and two second side walls 18 connected to the first side wall 17. On the other hand, there is no distinct side wall on the side opposite the first side wall 17, and the second side wall 18 forms a slope that gradually rises from the bottom wall 16 and is in contact with a groove portion 15, which will be described later. This allows the liquid storage section 11 to form a depression that can store liquid.
The height of the first side wall 17 is greater than the height of the second side wall 18. Therefore, there is a step between the first side wall 17 and the second side wall 18.
The bottom wall 16 is made of a flat surface that is rectangular in plan view.

The length of the liquid storage section 11 in the left-right direction (short direction, first direction) is, for example, approximately 6 to 8% of the width of the tray main body 2. The length of the liquid storage section 11 in the front-to-rear direction (longitudinal direction, second direction) is, for example, approximately 70 to 80% of the depth of the tray main body 2.

There is a small horizontal surface on the second side wall 18 side of the liquid storage section 11, and the liquid drain hole 12 is provided on this horizontal surface. There is one liquid drain hole 12 on the second side wall 18 side of each liquid storage section 11, for a total of four liquid drain holes 12.
The liquid drain hole 12 is an asymmetrical, cone-shaped through-hole. In other words, in a plan view, the upper opening of the liquid drain hole 12 is elongated, and the lower opening is substantially circular. The centers of gravity of these openings are aligned in the left-right direction but do not coincide. In a plan view, the arc of the elongated hole at the left-right center (the raised portion 25 side) of the upper opening substantially coincides with the arc of the perfect circle at the lower opening. Therefore, the inner wall at the center (the raised portion 25 side) of the liquid drain hole 12 is substantially vertical, while the inner wall at the outer side (the groove portion 15 side (described later) side) is an inclined surface.

Groove portions 15 are provided adjacent to the liquid storage portions 11. Two groove portions 15 are provided in total, one on each side of the liquid storage portions 11 facing the first side wall 17. The two groove portions 15 are arranged symmetrically on the left and right sides of the raised portion 25 and the liquid storage portion 11 in a plan view.
The groove portion 15 has a plurality of grooves 20. The grooves 20 have an elongated rectangular shape in a plan view, extend in the left-right direction (first direction), and are arranged in parallel at equal intervals. The cross-sectional shape of the grooves 20 is concave.

8, the groove 20 includes a long groove 20a and a short groove 20b. The long groove 20a is located in the center of the groove portion 15 in the front-rear direction (second direction) and occupies most of the groove portion 15. On the other hand, the short grooves 20b are located at both ends of the groove portion 15 in the front-rear direction.
A first end 21a, which is the end on the central side (liquid storage section 11 side) of the long groove 20a, is connected to the liquid storage section 11 and opens toward the liquid storage section 11. On the other hand, a second end 22a, which is the other end, forms a slightly inclined side wall (inclined surface).
A first end 21b, which is the end on the central side (liquid storage section 11 side) of short groove 20b, is also connected to and opens toward liquid storage section 11. On the other hand, a second end 22b, which is the other end, forms a side wall that stands upright from the bottom surface and is connected to the side surface of mounting table section 27, which will be described later.
The groove portion 15 is generally inclined downward toward the liquid storage portion 11 , and the bottom surfaces of the grooves 20 (long groove 20 a , short groove 20 b ) are also inclined downward toward the liquid storage portion 11 .
The grooves 20 have the function of guiding the irrigated nutrient solution to the liquid storage section 11 and also function as spaces for ventilation.

The length of the long groove 20a in the left-right direction (longitudinal direction, first direction) is, for example, approximately 16-18% of the width of the tray main body 2. The length of the short groove 20b in the left-right direction (longitudinal direction, first direction) is, for example, approximately 40-60% of the left-right direction (longitudinal direction, first direction) of the long groove 20a. The length of the long groove 20a and short groove 20b in the front-rear direction (second direction) (groove width) is, for example, approximately 1-2% of the depth of the tray main body 2.

5 and 6, a flat portion 26 is provided adjacent to the groove portion 15. In plan view, two flat portions 26 are provided, one on each side of the groove portions 15 in the left-right direction (first direction).
The flat portion 26 is made up of a first flat surface 26a occupying the center in the front-rear direction (second direction) and two second flat surfaces 26b occupying both end portions in the front-rear direction (second direction). The second flat surface 26b is inclined downward toward the first flat surface 26a, and the first flat surface 26a is inclined downward toward the groove portion 15.
The length of the flat portion 26 in the left-right direction (first direction) is, for example, about 17 to 20% of the width of the tray main body 2 .
The planar portion 26 overlaps the harvesting area Y (FIG. 2).

Between the flat surface portion 26 and the short groove 20b is a mounting base portion 27. The mounting base portion 27 is a portion on which the seedling holding member 3, which will be described later, is placed.
The mounting table portion 27 has a rectangular shape in a plan view, and has a rectangular parallelepiped and block-like overall shape.
The top surface 28 of the mounting table portion 27 is a horizontal surface.
Inside the mounting table portion 27, there are spaces (a first roller housing portion 63 and a second roller housing portion 64) for housing a guide roller 6 and a carrier roller 7, which will be described later.
As shown in Figure 8, the side surface of the mounting base portion 27 on the left-right central side (the raised portion 25 side) is in contact with the short groove 20b. The side surfaces of the mounting base portion 27 on the left-right outer sides are in contact with the flat portion 26 (second flat surface 26b). The side surface of the mounting base portion 27 on the front-rear central side (the long groove 20a side) is in contact with the long groove 20a. The front-rear outer sides of the mounting base portion 27 are integrated with the inner wall of the tray main body 2.

The length of the mounting base portion 27 in the left-right direction (first direction) is, for example, approximately 40 to 60% of the left-right length of the groove portion 15. The length of the mounting base portion 27 in the front-to-rear direction (second direction) is, for example, approximately 18 to 22% of the depth of the tray main body 2.

As shown in Figure 8, a loading sidewall 30 is located on part of the inner wall of the tray main body 2, extending from the loading platform 27 to the raised portion 25. The loading sidewall 30 is a wall that protrudes slightly from the inner wall of the tray main body 2. The top surface of the loading sidewall 30 is made up of a horizontal top surface 31 that is a horizontal plane and an inclined top surface 32 that is an inclined plane. The horizontal top surface 31 is located on the loading platform 27 side and is connected to the top surface of the loading platform 27 to form a common horizontal plane. On the other hand, the inclined top surface 32 is located on the raised portion 25 side and is inclined downward toward the raised portion 25.
The height of the lower end face of the inclined top surface 32 is greater than the height of the raised portion 25. Therefore, there is a step between the inclined top surface 32 and the raised portion 25.
In a plan view, the positions of the inclined top surface 32 and the end of the liquid storage portion 11 are substantially aligned in the left-right direction (first direction).

Regarding the thickness of the inner wall of the tray body 2, the thickness of the portion corresponding to the cultivation area X is smaller than the thickness of the portion corresponding to the harvesting area Y. Therefore, a step 33 is formed at the boundary between the cultivation area X and the harvesting area Y.
With respect to the height of each part of the tray body 2, the opening of the ventilation hole 10 is located at the same height position as the upper surface of the first side wall 17. Furthermore, the upper opening of the liquid discharge hole 12 is located at the same height position as the upper surface of the second side wall 18.

7 and 9, a first guide groove 60 and a second guide groove 61 are provided on the bottom surface (rear surface) of the tray main body 2. The first guide groove 60 and the second guide groove 61 are grooves that extend in the front-rear direction (second direction) and are arranged symmetrically in bottom view.
Two first roller housings 63, in which the guide rollers 6 are attached, are provided at both ends of the first guide groove 60 in the front-rear direction. Two second roller housings 64, in which the carrier rollers 7 are attached, are provided at both ends of the second guide groove 61 in the front-rear direction. The first roller housings 63 and the second roller housings 64 are both rectangular parallelepiped-shaped holes with bottoms, and are located directly behind the mounting base 27.

As shown in Figure 9, the guide roller 6 is housed in the first roller housing section 63 and is supported by a metal roller holder 66. Similarly, the carrier roller 7 is housed in the second roller housing section 64 and is supported by a metal roller holder 67. The guide roller 6 has an R-shaped groove in the center of the roller. On the other hand, the surface of the carrier roller 7 is flat.

A pair of seedling holding members (first seedling holding member, second seedling holding member) 3, 3 are installed on the mounting base portion 27 and the inclined top surface 32 of the tray body 2.
As shown in Figures 10(a) to (c), the seedling holding member 3 is an elongated member that is L-shaped when viewed from the front and in cross section.
The seedling holding member 3 has a first plate portion 35 that is horizontally oriented and a second plate portion 36 that stands upright from the first plate portion 35. At the intersection of the first plate portion 35 and the second plate portion 36, there is a corner portion 49 that corresponds to the corner of an L shape.

The first plate portion 35 has openings 37 for inserting seedlings. Four openings 37 are provided at equal intervals. Each opening 37 is horseshoe-shaped in plan view, with one end open toward the center in the left-right direction. The inner wall of the arc-shaped portion on the outer left-right direction slopes downward toward the center. The top surface of the first plate portion 35 consists of a first flat surface 35a occupying the center in the front-to-back direction and two second flat surfaces 35b occupying both ends in the front-to-back direction. The second flat surface 35b slopes downward toward the first flat surface 35a, and the first flat surface 35a slopes downward toward the center. Note that the detailed surface shape of the periphery of the opening 37 is omitted from the illustration in Figure 10(c).

The second plate portion 36 has recesses 38 for supporting the stems of plants. Six recesses 38 are provided at equal intervals on the top surface of the upright second plate portion 36.

The bottom surface 39 of the seedling holding member 3 has a protrusion 40. The protrusion 40 is located directly below the second plate 36 and extends downward from the second plate 36. The longitudinal length of the protrusion 40 is shorter than the longitudinal length of the second plate 36, and the protrusion 40 is located closer to the center in the front-to-rear direction. Therefore, there is a step 48 between the protrusion 40 and the bottom surface 39.
Small flat surfaces 41 are provided at both ends of the protrusion 40 on the bottom surface 39. The small flat surfaces 41 are flat surfaces that extend from the step 48 to the corners 49 and extend in the front-rear and left-right directions.

An inner panel 5 is provided between the pair of seedling holding members 3, 3. As shown in Figures 11(a) and 11(b), the inner panel 5 is a member having an elongated plate-like overall shape.
11(a), the cross section of the top surface 42 of the inner panel 5 has a gentle mountain shape. Therefore, the top surface 42 is slightly inclined downward from the center portion in the left-right direction toward both ends.
At both ends of the top surface 42 in the front-to-rear direction, there are standing wall portions 43 that stand perpendicularly from the top surface 42. The standing wall portions 43 are formed across the entire top surface 42 in the left-to-right direction, and form part of the front-to-rear end surfaces of the inner panel 5. Like the top surface 42, the top surface of the standing wall portions 43 also slopes slightly downward from the center toward both ends in the left-to-right direction.
11(b), the bottom surface 45 of the inner panel 5 has an inclined structure similar to that of the top surface 42. The cross section of the bottom surface 45 is a gentle arc shape.
At both ends of the bottom surface 45 in the front-rear direction, there are protrusions 46 extending perpendicularly from the bottom surface 45. The protrusions 46 are formed in the central portion of the bottom surface 45 and constitute part of the end surfaces of the inner panel 5 in the front-rear direction.

The laminated structure 8 is provided between the raised portion 25 of the tray body 2, the pair of liquid storage portions 11, 11, and the pair of groove portions 15, 15, and the inner panel 5 and seedling holding member 3.
As shown in Figures 12(a), 12(b), and 13(a) to (d), the laminated structure 8 has a structure in which a first sheet material 50, a first culture medium 51, a second culture medium 52, and a second sheet material 53 are laminated in this order.

In terms of the outer shape in a plan view, the outer shapes of the first sheet material 50 and the first culture medium 51 are substantially the same, and the outer shapes of the second culture medium 52 and the second sheet material 53 are substantially the same.
The outer shapes of the first sheet material 50 and the first culture medium 51 correspond to the raised portion 25, the pair of liquid storage portions 11, 11, and the pair of grooves 15, 15 when the tray body 2 is viewed in plan ( FIG. 6 ), and are shaped like a rectangle with corners missing into a square. On the other hand, the outer shapes of the second culture medium 52 and the second sheet material 53 are both rectangular. In plan view, the second culture medium 52 and the second sheet material 53 overlap the central portions of the first sheet material 50 and the first culture medium 51.
Furthermore, the laminated structure 8 overlaps with the cultivation area X (FIG. 2) in a plan view.
In addition, in order to make it easier to understand the layered structure of the layered structure 8, the thickness is exaggerated in FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b).

13(a) is located at the bottom of the laminated structure 8. The first sheet material 50 is made of a water-absorbent material, such as a nonwoven fabric.
The first sheet material 50 has a notch 55. The notch 55 has a long side 55a extending in the front-rear direction and two short sides 55b extending in the left-right direction, and the long side 55a and the short sides 55b form a vertically elongated U-shape. The two notches 55 are provided symmetrically in a plan view, and the long sides 55a face each other.
The portion surrounded by the notch 55 is bent downward to form a piece 56 surrounded by three sides, i.e., a long side 55a and a short side 55b. As shown in Fig. 14, the piece 56 is in contact with the liquid storage portion 11 of the tray main body 2. Note that Fig. 14 omits portions of the tray main body 2 other than the liquid storage portion 11 (e.g., the raised portion 25). Also, Fig. 12(b) omits the notch 55.

The first culture medium 51 shown in Figure 13(b) is located on top of the first sheet material 50. The first culture medium 51 functions as a solid culture medium in hydroponics and is made of a sponge such as polyurethane.

13(c) is located on top of the first medium 51. The second medium 52, like the first medium 51, functions as a solid medium in hydroponics and is made of a sponge such as polyurethane.
The second culture medium 52 has a rectangular outer shape and is placed in the center of the first culture medium 51. A step 57 is formed between the top surface of the first culture medium 51 and the end surface of the second culture medium 52, and a linear gap 58 is formed along the step 57. The gap 58 also forms the boundary between the first culture medium 51 and the second culture medium 52.

The second sheet material 53 shown in Figure 13(d) is positioned on top of the second culture medium 52. The second sheet material 53 is made of, for example, nonwoven fabric.

Since the first culture medium 51 and the second culture medium 52 are made of sponge, the laminated structure 8 has elasticity in the lamination direction. Also, the laminated structure 8 has flexibility and is deformable at least in the lamination direction.
The height of the laminated structure 8 itself is slightly greater than the distance from the groove 15 of the tray body 2 to the bottom surface 39 of the seedling holding member 3. Therefore, the laminated structure 8, when incorporated into the cultivation tray 1, is lightly pressed from above by the seedling holding member 3 and the inner panel 5. The laminated structure 8 is deformed to fit the inner surface shape of the tray body 2, particularly the shapes of the groove 15 and the raised portion 25.

The first sheet material 50 has the function of absorbing the nutrient solution stored in the liquid storage section 11 from the piece portion 56 and supplying it to the first culture medium 51 and the second culture medium 52. The first culture medium 51 and the second culture medium 52 have the function of retaining the nutrient solution. The second sheet material 53 has the function of preventing the first culture medium 51 and the second culture medium 52 from drying out.

The assembly structure of the cultivation tray 1 will be described.
As shown in Figure 4, the cultivation tray 1 has a stacked structure 8 on top of a tray body 2, and two seedling holding members 3, 3 and an inner panel 5 on top of the stacked structure 8. The inner panel 5 is also located between the two seedling holding members 3, 3. Two guide rollers 6 and two carrier rollers 7 are also incorporated into the bottom surface (rear surface) of the tray body 2.

The laminated structure 8 is placed on the raised portion 25 of the tray body 2, the pair of liquid storage portions 11, 11, and the pair of groove portions 15, 15.
The first sheet material 50 of the laminated structure 8 is in surface contact with the raised portion 25 , the pair of liquid storage portions 11 , 11 , and the pair of groove portions 15 , 15 .
The portion of the first sheet material 50 surrounded by the cut 55 overlaps the liquid storage portion 11 in a plan view (FIG. 13A). A piece portion 56 of the first sheet material 50 contacts the liquid storage portion 11 (FIG. 14).

The seedling holding member 3 and the inner panel 5 are installed on the laminated structure 8 .
The left and right end faces of the inner panel 5 and the left and right end faces of the first plate portions 35 of the seedling holding members 3, 3 are butted together and abut against each other.

The corners 49 of the seedling holding members 3 fit into the steps 33 of the tray body 2. Furthermore, the small flat surfaces 41 of the seedling holding members 3 rest on the mounting base 27 of the tray body 2 and on the horizontal top surface 31 of the mounting side wall 30. Furthermore, the protrusions 40 of the seedling holding members 3 fit between the two mounting bases 27 positioned in the front-to-rear direction, and the steps 48 abut against the mounting bases 27.
The protrusions 40 do not reach the grooves 15, and there are gaps between the protrusions 40 and the grooves 15. The ends of the laminated structure 8, more specifically, the ends of the first sheet material 50 and the first culture medium 51, fit into the gaps.

The bottom surface 45 of the inner panel 5 abuts against the inclined top surface 32 of the loading side wall portion 30 of the tray body 2. Furthermore, the protrusions 46 of the inner panel 5 fit between the two inclined top surfaces 32 located on the left and right.

The second sheet material 53 of the laminated structure 8 contacts the bottom surface 39 of the seedling holding member 3 and the bottom surface 45 of the inner panel 5. In other words, the laminated structure 8 is sandwiched between the raised portion 25 of the tray main body 2, the pair of liquid storage portions 11, 11, and the pair of groove portions 15, 15, and the bottom surface 39 of the seedling holding member 3 and the bottom surface 45 of the inner panel 5. Furthermore, the laminated structure 8 is pressed from above by the seedling holding member 3 and the inner panel 5.

Guide rollers 6 are attached to two first roller housings 63 on the bottom surface of the tray main body 2. Carrier rollers 7 are attached to two second roller housings 64 on the bottom surface of the tray main body 2.

A method of using the cultivation tray 1 will be described below. As an example, the case of cultivating strawberries will be described.
Strawberry seedlings 70 are inserted and held in the openings 37 of the seedling holding members 3. In this embodiment, the inner walls of the arc-shaped portions on the outer left and right sides of the openings 37 are inclined downward toward the center, so that the seedlings 70 are less likely to be damaged.
The roots 70a of the strawberry are inserted through the gaps 58 in the laminated structure 8 and sandwiched between the first culture medium 51 and the second culture medium 52. The stems 70b of the strawberry are supported by being hung in the recesses 38 of the seedling holder 3.

In this state, the nutrient solution is irrigated. For example, the cultivation tray 1 is moved along the guide rail and passed through the irrigation gate. At this time, because each part of the cultivation tray 1 is tilted downward, the nutrient solution eventually collects in the liquid storage section 11. For example, the groove 20 of the tray body 2, the first flat surface 26a, the second flat surface 26b, and the top surface 42 of the inner panel 5 are tilted, and the nutrient solution on these components is guided into the liquid storage section 11. Note that excess nutrient solution that overflows from the liquid storage section 11 flows over the second side wall 18 and is discharged through the liquid discharge hole 12.

The nutrient solution accumulated in the liquid storage section 11 comes into contact with the piece 56 of the first sheet material 50 and is sucked up (absorbed) by the first sheet material 50. The nutrient solution absorbed by the first sheet material 50 moves to the first culture medium 51 and the second culture medium 52, and comes into contact with the strawberry roots 70a.

Continuing cultivation under this condition under artificial light or sunlight, as shown in Figure 15, strawberry roots 70a will then spread out in a wide, planar fashion between the first medium 51 and the second medium 52, and the strawberries will grow. If necessary, cool or warm air can be blown in through the ventilation holes 10 to adjust the temperature of the cultivation environment.

The strawberries grow and produce strawberry fruits 70c in harvest area Y. The strawberry fruits 70c are then harvested.

In this embodiment, the guide roller 6 is attached to the first guide groove 60, and the carrier roller 7 is attached to the second guide groove 61. In other words, the guide roller 6 is attached to only one of the guide grooves. This configuration allows the carrier roller 7 to have a moderate amount of play, making it less likely for the cultivation tray 1 to come off the rails when moved a long distance along the rails.

In the above-described embodiment, the strawberry seedlings 70 are inserted directly into the openings 37 of the seedling holders 3, but other embodiments are also possible. For example, a pot filled with a culture medium (such as a sponge culture medium) may be prepared separately, and seedlings that have been grown in the pot may be used (second embodiment).
For example, as shown in FIG. 16( a), a strawberry seedling 70 is first grown in a pot 76 filled with culture medium. When the strawberry roots have sufficiently grown in the pot 76, the strawberry seedling 70 is removed from the pot 76 together with the culture medium, as shown in FIG. 16( b). At this time, the roots have spread three-dimensionally and encompassed the entire culture medium, so the culture medium containing the roots (complex 85 of roots and culture medium) largely maintains the internal shape of the pot 76. The strawberry seedling 70 is then inserted into the opening 37 of the seedling holder 3 together with the composite 85 that has maintained the shape of the pot. The roots are then allowed to grow widely in a planar manner between the first and second culture medium.

An example of a laminated structure 78 corresponding to the second embodiment is shown in Figures 17 and 18. The laminated structure 78 of this embodiment has a structure in which a first sheet material 80, a first medium 81, a second medium 82, and a second sheet material 83 are laminated in this order. The first sheet material 80 and the first medium 81 have the same configuration as the first sheet material 50 and the first medium 51 (Figures 12 and 13), respectively. On the other hand, the second medium 82 and the second sheet material 83 are both narrower than the second medium 52 and the second sheet material 53. In a plan view, the widths of the second medium 82 and the second sheet material 83 are approximately the same as or slightly larger than the width of the inner panel 5. This ensures a space into which the composite 85 can be fitted, as described below.

When a strawberry seedling 70 is inserted into the opening 37 together with the composite 85 using the laminated structure 78 and cultivated, the result is a configuration as shown in FIG. 19 . Specifically, the strawberry seedling 70 is first inserted into the opening 37 together with the composite 85. At this time, the second culture medium 82 and the second sheet material 83 in the laminated structure 78 have a small width, ensuring sufficient space for the composite 85 to fit into, allowing the composite 85 to reach the gap 58 between the first culture medium 81 and the second culture medium 82. A portion of the composite 85 is then inserted through the gap 58. The roots 70a are then allowed to extend planarly between the first culture medium 81 and the second culture medium 82. According to this embodiment, the strawberry seedling 70 is inserted into the opening 37 together with the composite 85, making it less likely to be damaged. In this embodiment, the inner wall of the arc-shaped portion of the opening 37 is also inclined downward, making it less likely for the roots in the composite 85 to be damaged, and the composite 85 maintains the shape of the pot, making insertion easier.

Note that for ease of understanding, the sizes of components in each embodiment are exaggerated in Figures 15 and 19, so the sizes do not necessarily match between the two drawings.

In the above embodiment, one elongated cut 55 is provided in the first sheet material 50, but there is no limitation on the number of cuts 55. For example, a plurality of short cuts 55 may be provided.
Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the piece 56 formed by making the slit 55 in the first sheet material 50 is brought into contact with the liquid storage portion 11, but it is also possible to fold a part of the first sheet material 50 and bring it into contact with the liquid storage portion 11 without making the slit 55. The same applies to the first sheet material 80.

In the embodiment described above, strawberry roots 70a are inserted through the gaps 58, but other embodiments are also possible. For example, a hole may be formed from the surface of the second sheet material 53, through the second culture medium 52, and to the surface of the first culture medium 51, and strawberry roots 70a may be inserted through this hole. Examples of the shape of the hole include slits and circles.

In the above embodiment, the laminated structure 8 includes the first sheet material 50, but the first sheet material 50 may be omitted, and the laminated structure may be formed using only the first culture medium 51 and the second culture medium 52. Plants can then be hydroponically grown using a method that includes the steps of providing this cultivation tray, supplying nutrient solution to the first culture medium, and allowing the roots of the plant to grow planarly between the first and second culture media. The same is true for the laminated structure 78; the first sheet material 80 may be omitted, and the laminated structure may be formed using only the first culture medium 81 and the second culture medium 82.

In the above-described embodiment, cold or hot air is blown through the ventilation holes 10 as needed, but cold or hot water may be blown in place of cold or hot air.

The present invention provides a method for cultivating plants in a hydroponic culture medium, comprising:
providing a layered structure in which a water-absorbent first sheet material, a first culture medium, and a second culture medium are layered in this order;
a step of absorbing a nutrient solution into the first sheet material and supplying the nutrient solution to the first medium; and a step of extending roots of the plant in a planar manner between the first medium and the second medium.
This method can be carried out using the cultivation tray 1 described above, for example.

While there are no particular limitations on the plants that can be used in this invention, fruit vegetables such as strawberries are preferred.

The present disclosure includes the cultivation trays and plant cultivation methods described in the following items.

[Item 1]
A cultivation tray for holding plant seedlings and hydroponically cultivating the plants,
A tray body and a laminated structure provided on the tray body,
The laminated structure has a structure in which a first sheet material having water absorption, a first culture medium, and a second culture medium are laminated in this order,
the first sheet material is capable of absorbing nutrient solution and supplying the nutrient solution to the first culture medium;
A cultivation tray characterized in that the roots of the plant are allowed to grow in a planar manner between the first medium and the second medium.

[Item 2]
The tray body has a liquid storage portion that stores nutrient solution,
2. The cultivation tray according to item 1, wherein a portion of the first sheet material is in contact with the liquid storage portion, thereby allowing the nutrient solution to be supplied from the liquid storage portion to the first sheet material, and further allowing the nutrient solution to be supplied from the first sheet material to the first culture medium.

[Item 3]
3. The cultivation tray according to item 2, wherein the tray body has a liquid drainage hole adjacent to the liquid storage portion for draining excess nutrient solution.

[Item 4]
The laminated structure further comprises a second sheet material;
4. The cultivation tray according to any one of items 1 to 3, characterized in that the first sheet material, the first culture medium, the second culture medium, and the second sheet material are stacked in this order.

[Item 5]
A cultivation tray for holding plant seedlings and hydroponically cultivating the plants,
A tray body and a laminated structure provided on the tray body,
The laminated structure has a structure in which a first culture medium and a second culture medium are laminated,
A nutrient solution can be supplied to the first culture medium,
A cultivation tray characterized in that the roots of the plant are allowed to grow in a planar manner between the first medium and the second medium.

[Item 6]
The tray body has a groove portion consisting of a plurality of parallel grooves,
6. The cultivation tray according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the laminated structure is provided so that the first sheet material contacts the groove portion.

[Item 7]
At least two guide rollers are provided on the bottom surface of the tray body and positioned on the same straight line,
7. The cultivation tray according to any one of items 1 to 6, characterized in that it can be moved along a predetermined running path by being guided by the guide rollers.

[Item 8]
The plant further includes a seedling holding member for holding the plant seedling,
8. The cultivation tray according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the laminated structure is provided between the tray body and the seedling holding member.

[Item 9]
Item 9. The cultivation tray according to item 8, wherein the seedling holding member has an opening for inserting the seedling and a recess for supporting the stem of the seedling.

[Item 10]
The seedling holding member has an L-shaped cross section having a first plate portion and a second plate portion provided approximately perpendicular to the first plate portion,
Item 10. The cultivation tray according to item 9, wherein the opening is provided in the first plate portion and the recess is provided in the second plate portion.

[Item 11]
11. The cultivation tray according to any one of items 8 to 10, wherein the seedling holding members include a first seedling holding member and a second seedling holding member, which are arranged opposite each other.

[Item 12]
An inner panel is provided between the first seedling holding member and the second seedling holding member,
A cultivation tray as described in item 11, characterized in that one end surface of the inner panel contacts the first seedling holding member and the other end surface contacts the second seedling holding member.

[Item 13]
The tray body has ventilation holes,
Item 13. The cultivation tray according to item 12, wherein the ventilation holes are located opposite the inner panel.

[Item 14]
The tray body has a liquid storage portion that stores nutrient solution,
a portion of the first sheet material is in contact with the liquid storage portion, whereby the nutrient solution is supplied from the liquid storage portion to the first sheet material, and further the nutrient solution is supplied from the first sheet material to the first culture medium;
The plant further includes a seedling holding member for holding the plant seedling,
The stacked structure is provided between the tray body and the seedling holding member,
The seedling holding member includes a first seedling holding member and a second seedling holding member, which are arranged opposite to each other;
An inner panel is provided between the first seedling holding member and the second seedling holding member,
A cultivation tray as described in item 1, characterized in that one end surface of the inner panel contacts the first seedling holding member and the other end surface contacts the second seedling holding member.

[Item 15]
A method for cultivating plants by hydroponically cultivating plants using a culture medium, comprising:
providing a layered structure in which a water-absorbent first sheet material, a first culture medium, and a second culture medium are layered in this order;
a step of allowing the first sheet material to absorb a nutrient solution and supplying the nutrient solution to the first culture medium; and a step of allowing roots of the plant to grow in a planar state between the first culture medium and the second culture medium.

[Item 16]
The laminated structure further comprises a second sheet material;
Item 16. The plant cultivation method according to item 15, wherein the first sheet material, the first culture medium, the second culture medium, and the second sheet material are layered in this order.

[Item 17]
A method for cultivating plants in a nutrient solution using a cultivation tray, comprising:
Providing a cultivation tray according to any one of items 1 to 14;
a step of supplying a nutrient solution to the first medium; and a step of extending the roots of the plant in a planar manner between the first medium and the second medium.
A method for cultivating plants, comprising:

[Item 18]
Item 18. The plant cultivation method according to item 17, wherein the laminated structure has a structure in which a water-absorbent first sheet material, a first culture medium, and a second culture medium are laminated in this order, and the nutrient solution is absorbed into the first sheet material and supplied to the first culture medium.

[Item 19]
The tray body has a liquid storage portion that stores nutrient solution,
Item 19. The plant cultivation method according to item 18, wherein a portion of the first sheet material is in contact with the liquid storage portion, thereby supplying the nutrient solution from the liquid storage portion to the first sheet material, and further supplying the nutrient solution from the first sheet material to the first culture medium.

[Item 20]
The laminated structure further comprises a second sheet material;
20. The plant cultivation method according to item 18 or 19, wherein the first sheet material, the first culture medium, the second culture medium, and the second sheet material are laminated in this order.

[Item 21]
A method for cultivating plants by hydroponically cultivating plants using a culture medium, comprising:
providing a laminated structure in which the first culture medium and the second culture medium are laminated;
a step of supplying a nutrient solution to the first medium; and a step of extending the roots of the plant in a planar manner between the first medium and the second medium.
A method for cultivating plants, comprising:

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Cultivation tray 2 Tray body 3 Seedling holding member 5 Inner panel 6 Guide roller 7 Carrier roller 8, 78 Laminated structure 10 Ventilation hole 11 Liquid storage section 12 Liquid discharge hole 15 Groove section 20 Groove 20a Long groove 20b Short groove 35 First plate section 36 Second plate section 37 Opening 38 Recess 50, 80 First sheet material 51, 81 First culture medium 52, 82 Second culture medium 53, 83 Second sheet material 55 Incision 56 Piece section 70 Seedling 70a Root 70b Stem 70c Fruit

Claims (21)

A cultivation tray for holding plant seedlings and hydroponically cultivating the plants,
A tray body and a laminated structure provided on the tray body,
The laminated structure has a structure in which a first sheet material having water absorption, a first culture medium, and a second culture medium are laminated in this order,
the first sheet material is capable of absorbing nutrient solution and supplying the nutrient solution to the first culture medium;
A cultivation tray characterized in that the roots of the plant are allowed to grow in a planar manner between the first medium and the second medium. The tray body has a liquid storage portion that stores nutrient solution,
The cultivation tray according to claim 1, characterized in that a portion of the first sheet material is in contact with the liquid storage portion, thereby supplying nutrient solution from the liquid storage portion to the first sheet material, and further supplying the nutrient solution from the first sheet material to the first culture medium. The cultivation tray described in claim 2, characterized in that the tray body has a liquid drainage hole adjacent to the liquid storage section for draining excess nutrient solution. The laminated structure further comprises a second sheet material;
The cultivation tray according to claim 1, wherein the first sheet material, the first culture medium, the second culture medium, and the second sheet material are stacked in this order. The tray body has a groove portion consisting of a plurality of parallel grooves,
The cultivation tray according to claim 1 , wherein the laminated structure is provided so that the first sheet material contacts the groove portion. At least two guide rollers are provided on the bottom surface of the tray body and positioned on the same straight line,
The cultivation tray according to claim 1, characterized in that it is movable along a predetermined path by being guided by the guide rollers. The plant further includes a seedling holding member for holding the plant seedling,
The cultivation tray according to claim 1, wherein the laminated structure is provided between the tray body and the seedling holding member. The cultivation tray described in claim 7, characterized in that the seedling holding member has an opening for inserting the seedling and a recess for supporting the stem of the seedling. The seedling holding member has an L-shaped cross section having a first plate portion and a second plate portion provided approximately perpendicular to the first plate portion,
The cultivation tray according to claim 8, wherein the opening is provided in the first plate portion, and the recess is provided in the second plate portion. The cultivation tray described in claim 7, characterized in that the seedling holding members include a first seedling holding member and a second seedling holding member, which are arranged opposite each other. An inner panel is provided between the first seedling holding member and the second seedling holding member,
The cultivation tray according to claim 10, wherein one end surface of the inner panel contacts the first seedling holding member and the other end surface contacts the second seedling holding member. The tray body has ventilation holes,
The cultivation tray according to claim 11, wherein the ventilation holes are located opposite the inner panel. The tray body has a liquid storage portion that stores nutrient solution,
a portion of the first sheet material is in contact with the liquid storage portion, whereby the nutrient solution is supplied from the liquid storage portion to the first sheet material, and further the nutrient solution is supplied from the first sheet material to the first culture medium;
The plant further includes a seedling holding member for holding the plant seedling,
The stacked structure is provided between the tray body and the seedling holding member,
The seedling holding member includes a first seedling holding member and a second seedling holding member, which are arranged opposite to each other;
An inner panel is provided between the first seedling holding member and the second seedling holding member,
The cultivation tray according to claim 1, wherein one end surface of the inner panel contacts the first seedling holding member and the other end surface contacts the second seedling holding member. A cultivation tray for holding a plant seedling and hydroponically cultivating the plant,
A tray body and a laminated structure provided on the tray body,
The laminated structure has a structure in which a first culture medium and a second culture medium are laminated,
A nutrient solution can be supplied to the first culture medium,
A cultivation tray characterized in that the roots of the plant are allowed to grow in a planar manner between the first medium and the second medium. A method for cultivating plants by hydroponically cultivating plants using a culture medium, comprising:
providing a layered structure in which a water-absorbent first sheet material, a first culture medium, and a second culture medium are layered in this order;
a step of absorbing a nutrient solution into the first sheet material and supplying the nutrient solution to the first medium; and a step of extending roots of the plant in a planar manner between the first medium and the second medium.
A method for cultivating plants, comprising: The laminated structure further comprises a second sheet material;
16. The plant cultivation method according to claim 15, wherein the first sheet material, the first culture medium, the second culture medium, and the second sheet material are layered in this order. A method for cultivating plants in a nutrient solution using a cultivation tray, comprising:
Providing a growing tray according to any one of claims 1 to 13;
a step of absorbing a nutrient solution into the first sheet material and supplying the nutrient solution to the first medium; and a step of extending roots of the plant in a planar manner between the first medium and the second medium.
A method for cultivating plants, comprising: The tray body has a liquid storage portion that stores nutrient solution,
18. The plant cultivation method according to claim 17, wherein a portion of the first sheet material is in contact with the liquid storage portion, thereby supplying nutrient solution from the liquid storage portion to the first sheet material, and further supplying the nutrient solution from the first sheet material to the first culture medium. The laminated structure further comprises a second sheet material;
18. The plant cultivation method according to claim 17, wherein the first sheet material, the first culture medium, the second culture medium, and the second sheet material are layered in this order. A method for cultivating plants by hydroponically cultivating plants using a culture medium, comprising:
providing a laminated structure in which the first culture medium and the second culture medium are laminated;
a step of supplying a nutrient solution to the first medium; and a step of extending the roots of the plant in a planar manner between the first medium and the second medium.
A method for cultivating plants, comprising: A method for cultivating plants in a nutrient solution using a cultivation tray, comprising:
Providing a growing tray according to claim 14;
a step of supplying a nutrient solution to the first medium; and a step of extending the roots of the plant in a planar manner between the first medium and the second medium.
A method for cultivating plants, comprising: