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WO2023017521A1 - A module for soilless plant seeding, germination and cultivation, and method thereof - Google Patents

A module for soilless plant seeding, germination and cultivation, and method thereof Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023017521A1
WO2023017521A1 PCT/IL2022/050874 IL2022050874W WO2023017521A1 WO 2023017521 A1 WO2023017521 A1 WO 2023017521A1 IL 2022050874 W IL2022050874 W IL 2022050874W WO 2023017521 A1 WO2023017521 A1 WO 2023017521A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
substrate
plant
module
mat
cylindrical configuration
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IL2022/050874
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Ehud ELITUV
Zamir KAYE
Original Assignee
Agada Tech. Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Agada Tech. Ltd filed Critical Agada Tech. Ltd
Priority to IL310745A priority Critical patent/IL310745A/en
Publication of WO2023017521A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023017521A1/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G24/00—Growth substrates; Culture media; Apparatus or methods therefor
    • A01G24/40—Growth substrates; Culture media; Apparatus or methods therefor characterised by their structure
    • A01G24/44—Growth substrates; Culture media; Apparatus or methods therefor characterised by their structure in block, mat or sheet form
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
    • Y02P60/00—Technologies relating to agriculture, livestock or agroalimentary industries
    • Y02P60/20—Reduction of greenhouse gas [GHG] emissions in agriculture, e.g. CO2
    • Y02P60/21—Dinitrogen oxide [N2O], e.g. using aquaponics, hydroponics or efficiency measures

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to the field of soilless agriculture and horticulture, and more particularly a module for soilless plants cultivation with dual configurations first mat - like planar configuration for efficient seeding, germination and transport and second cylindrical configuration for efficient vertical cultivation and harvest.
  • the United Nations disclose in its World Population Prospects 2019 report, that the world’s population continues to grow. From an estimated 7.7 billion people worldwide in 2019, the medium-variant projection indicates that the global population could grow to around 8.5 billion in 2030, 9.7 billion in 2050, and 10.9 billion in 2100.
  • the general consensus is that global agriculture production has to be increased by about 60-70 percent from the current levels to meet the increased food demand in 2050.
  • the arable land will increase by about 200 million hectares, mainly from Sub- Saharan Africa and Latin America. This expansion may come at a heavy price as deforestation, in the Amazon for example, would cause severe ecological upheavals and release of more carbon stored in the soils to the atmosphere.
  • These virgin lands are not readily available for agriculture as they lack chemical, physical, biological and infrastructure requirements for single crop species. For many individual countries, the option of farming more land does not exist in practice. In contrast, increasing productivity currently presents a more sustainable approach to food security. The potential to increase crop yield even with existing technologies is considerable (www.canr.msu.edu/news/feeding-the-world-in-2050-and-beyond-part-l).
  • a sustainable food system is one that delivers food security and nutrition for all in such a way that the economic, social and environmental bases to generate food security and nutrition for future generation is not compromised. This means that it is profitable throughout, ensuring economic sustainability, it has broad-based benefits for society, securing social sustainability, and that it has a positive or neutral impact on the natural resource environment, safeguarding the sustainability of the environment (www.fao.org/food-systems/en).
  • Conventional agricultural (Geoponic) practices can cause a wide range of negative impacts on the environment. Some of the negative impacts of conventional agriculture include the high and inefficient use of water, large land requirements, high concentrations of nutrients consumption, chemical pollution due to the use of fertilizers and pesticides, and soil degradation.
  • Vertical farming is the cutting edge of agriculture. Offering the ability to grow more crops, in a controlled environment, inside major distributions hubs, it takes advantage of economies of scale in a way no other farming operation can. Even if there is adequate spacing for traditional farming, it is not guaranteed that the soil is farmable. Vertical farming holds the promise of addressing these issues by enabling more food to be produced with less resources use. There are other substantial benefits, such as: year-round crop production, limited environmental crop failures (drought, hail, and floods), reduced pest infestations, diminished pesticide use, proficient weed management, and no polluted ground water. Another straightforward advantage is the ease of harvest. Traditional farming could require difficult labor to harvest crops, such as bending over numerous hours.
  • Soilless plant culture provides support for plant growth without the use of soil as a rooting medium.
  • Soilless medium provides plant roots with functions similar to those provided by soil, which includes providing aeration and water, allowing for maximum root growth and physically supporting the plant.
  • Materials commonly used for soilless medium include organic materials such as peat moss, compost, tree bark, coconut coir, poultry feathers, or inorganic materials such as clay, perlite, vermiculite, and mineral wool.
  • This method is associated with many advantages, such as enabling good root growth, improved germination rates, and better management of irrigation and fertilizer applied.
  • the yield of crop depends on the substrates properties, such as absorption capability and making water and nutrients (fertilizer) available at the plant root region for uptake and utilization by the plant
  • peat In terms of performance and economic considerations, peat is in many ways an ideal constituent of soilless growing media. It is low in plant nutrients but able to adsorb and release them when added as fertilizer. Widespread reserves of peat exist in the northern hemisphere, making it a readily available and relatively cheap resource. Consequently, it has become the material of choice throughout plant production systems from propagation to saleable ‘finished plant’ material. However, the extraction of peat has well documented negative impacts on the environment; arguably the most important of these is the release of stable, sequestered carbon into the active carbon cycle, thereby exacerbating climate change. During the last 20 years, peat extraction has come under increasing scrutiny throughout Europe and particularly in the UK. This has generated an abundance of studies examining a diverse range of alternative materials.
  • a module for soilless plant seeding, germination and cultivation comprising: a. a substrate characterized by: i. at least one spacing layer characterized by pores for housing at least one seed, or at least one seedling, or at least one plant, ii. at least one capillary layer for water and nutrients supply, iii.
  • said substrate is disposable in a first mat-like planar configuration for seeding and germination and said substrate is disposable in a second cylindrical configuration for growth and harvest, said substrate in said second cylindrical configuration is further provided with at least one fibrous core substantially disposed along the central axis of said cylindrical configuration, said fibrous core comprises at least one liquid conducting core for water and nutrients supply, roots attachment and post-harvest separation of roots from the substrate.
  • PGPB Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria
  • It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method for plant soilless seeding, germination and cultivation comprising steps of: a. providing the aforementioned module as defined above in said first matlike planar configuration, b. Seeding said module, c. allowing germination, d. rolling said substrate into said second cylindrical configuration, e. hanging said second cylindrical configuration vertically, f. allowing plant growth, g. harvesting, h. opening said second cylindrical configuration to said first mat-like planar configuration, i. discarding of roots by removing said fibrous core and said attached roots j. separating said core and capillary layers, k. rinsing said core and spacing layers, l. reusing said core and spacing layers to form a renewed first mat-like planar configuration substrate; and m. repeat steps a-1 about 1 +n times.
  • It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method for plant soilless seeding, germination and cultivation comprising steps of: a. providing the aforementioned module as defined before in said first matlike planar configuration, b. Seeding said module, c. allowing germination, d. rolling said substrate into said second cylindrical configuration, e. weighing said second cylindrical configuration f. hanging said second cylindrical configuration vertically, g. allowing plant growth, h. weighing said second cylindrical i. calculating the added bio mass by deducting said second cylindrical configuration weight according to section e from said second cylindrical configuration weight according to section h, j . adjusting plant growth conditions according to the result of section I, k. allowing plant growth, l. harvesting, m.
  • It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method for plant soilless seeding, germination and cultivation comprising steps: a. providing the aforementioned module as defined above in said first mat-like planar configuration, b. seeding said module, c. allowing germination, d. transporting said substrate in said first mat like planar configuration to a destination of interest, e. rolling said substrate into said second cylindrical configuration, f. hanging said second cylindrical configuration vertically, g. allowing plant growth, h. harvesting, i. opening said second cylindrical configuration to said first mat-like planar configuration, j. discarding of roots by removing said fibrous rope and said attached roots, k. separating said core and capillary layers, l. rinsing said core and spacing layers, m. reusing said core and spacing layers to form a renewed first mat-like planar configuration substrate; and n. repeat steps a-m about 1 +n times.
  • It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method for plant soilless seeding, germination and cultivation comprising steps: a. providing the aforementioned module as defined above in said first matlike planar configuration, b. inoculating said module with PGPB c. seeding said substrate, d. allowing germination, e. transporting said substrate in said first mat like planar configuration to a destination of interest, f. rolling said substrate into said second cylindrical configuration, g. hanging said second cylindrical configuration vertically, h. allowing plant growth, i. harvesting, j . opening said second cylindrical configuration to said first mat-like planar configuration, k. discarding of roots by removing said fibrous rope and said attached roots l. separating said core and capillary layers, m. rinsing said core and spacing layers, n. reusing said core and spacing layers to form a renewed first mat-like planar configuration substrate; and o. repeat steps a-n about l+n times.
  • It is another object of the present invention to disclose a kit for soilless plant cultivation comprising: a. at least one aforementioned module in a mat-like planar configuration as defined above, b. at least one type of seeds for seeding in said substrate, c. at least one instruction manual for technical support for the module use and handling, and for plant cultivation.
  • kit is delivered by means selected from a group consisting of: mail, air mail, naval mail, delivery service, national and international couriers and any combination thereof.
  • Fig.la-lb A schematic presentation of the layers and an arragment of the layers of the module of the present invention.
  • Fig.2 A schematic presentation of the mat-like planar configuration of the present invention, depicting large size pores with large gaps between them pores.
  • Fig.3 A schematic presentation of the mat-like planar configuration of the present invention, depicting small size pores with small gaps between them pores.
  • Fig.4 A schematic presentation of a sectional view of the spacing layer of the module of the present invention, depicting seeds disposed within the spacing layer's pores.
  • Fig.5 A schematic presentation of a sectional view of the module of the present invention depicting the plant parts (roots, stem and leaves) at the corelating topography of the module (core, capillary layer, spacing layer).
  • Fig.6 depicting a schematic presentation of the cylindrical configuration of the module of the present invention and plants' orientation.
  • Fig.7 A schematic top view of several modules of the present invention and their arrangement towards a light source as a single unit or in a group.
  • Fig.8 A schematic presentation of plants growing on the mat-like planar configuration of the present invention, depicting the dimensional parameters ‘x, a, d’ for determining the pore spacing.
  • Fig.9 A schematic presentation top view of plants growing on the cylindrical configuration of the present invention, depicting the dimensional parameters ‘x, a, d’ for determining the pore spacing.
  • Fig.10 depicting a graphical representation of the light efficiency of the module of the present invention. Detailed description of preferred embodiments
  • the following description is provided, alongside all chapters of the present invention, so as to enable any person skilled in the art to make use of the invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out this invention.
  • the module may be in a mat-like planar configuration to enable seeding, germination and cost-effective transport, or rolled into a cylindrical configuration for vertical farming enabling plant growth and harvest. Further the module's layers can be separated after harvest, rinsed, dry and reused.
  • PGPB plant growth promoting bacteria
  • stem refers to a part of the shoot system of a plant
  • stems may range in length from a few millimeters to hundreds of meters.
  • Stems also vary in diameter, depending on the plant type.
  • Stems are usually above ground, although the stems of some plants, such as the potato, also grow underground.
  • Stems may be herbaceous (soft) or woody in nature. Their main function is to provide support to the plant, holding leaves, flowers, and buds; in some cases, stems also store food for the plant.
  • a stem may be unbranched highly branched. The stem of the plant connects the roots to the leaves, helping to transport absorbed water and minerals to different parts of the plant.
  • the stem also helps to transport the products of photosynthesis from the leaves to the rest of the plant.
  • a stem connects the roots to the leaves, provides support, stores food, and holds the leaves, flowers, and buds.
  • Plant stems, whether above or below ground, are characterized by the presence of nodes and internodes. Nodes are points of attachment for leaves, aerial roots, and flowers. The stem region between two nodes is called an internode.
  • the term “leaf’ or "leaves” refers to a generally flattened green outgrowth from the stem of a plant.
  • leaves manufacture food (sugar) for plants
  • leaves are an integral part of the stem system.
  • Leaves are attached by a continuous vascular system to the rest of the plant so that free exchange of nutrients, water, and end products of photosynthesis (oxygen and carbohydrates in particular) can be carried to its various parts.
  • Leafy plants e.g., Lettuce, Kale, Spinach, Basil, Arugula, etc.
  • Lettuce, Kale, Spinach, Basil, Arugula, etc. constitute the majority of crops in hydroponics, aeroponics, and aquaponics.
  • Root refers to the usually underground axial organs of a plant, a primary root is the root originated from the root of the seedling, a secondary (lateral) root is originate from the primary roots, and an adventitious root is originated on stems, sometimes also on leaves. Roots provide an anchor for the plant, as well as a means to extract and absorb valuable nutrients and water from the soil. The root does not bear leaves or flowers and tends to grow downwards directed by gravitation. Roots employ many different modifications one of which is the ability to store sugars for instance starch. Many plants' roots are edible by humans and there are some areas that roots are the main food supply for the area's rooms.
  • the term “Bulb” refers to a collection of underground leaves that store food and water to enable the plant to survive adverse conditions.
  • a vegetative growing point or an unexpanded flowering shoot At the center of the bulb is a vegetative growing point or an unexpanded flowering shoot.
  • the base is formed by a reduced stem, and plant growth occurs from this basal plate. Roots emerge from the underside of the base, and new stems and leaves from the upper side of the bulb.
  • the leaves of the bulb are visible as layers. Due to this layered nature, bulbs are often called true bulbs. Bulbs are usually rounded or egg-shaped. Tulips, onions, daffodils, alliums, hyacinths, and lilies are some examples of bulbs. Some of the bulbs are edible by humans.
  • Corm refers to a modified stem with a tunic. Derived from stem tissue that differentiated to store nutrients and food to fuel growth and to help plants survive unfavorable conditions. Corms are rounded but flattened. Their fibrous tunic is called netted or reticulate. Some tunics are smoother with rings called annulate, unlike in bulbs, these do not appear as visible rings when the corm is cut in half. The basal plate occurs at the bottom of the corm and a corm may have several growing points, which appear as bumps or nodes. Many corms produce offshoots known as daughter corms or cormels that are used for vegetative reproduction. Corms are sometimes called solid bulbs, or bulbo-tubers, but they are distinguished from true bulbs and tubers.
  • Tube refers to the undifferentiated specialized storage stem of certain seed plants.
  • Tubers are usually short and thickened and typically grow below the soil. Largely composed of starch-storing parenchyma tissue, they constitute the resting stage of various plants and enable overwintering in many species.
  • modified stems most tubers bear minute scale leaves, each with a bud that has the potential for developing into a new plant, roots develop from the bottom of the tuber, although tubers lack a basal plate.
  • Tubers do not produce an offspring but, they grow in size in every year. Some tubers have fleshy roots, which look like fat fingers.
  • Rhizome refers to a swollen underground stem, which grow horizontally under the soil capable of producing the shoot and root systems of a new plant. New growing points occur along the surface of the rhizomes. Rhizomes are used to store starches and proteins and enable plants to perennate underground. Additionally, rhizome allow the parent plant to propagate asexually (vegetative propagation). Notably, the rhizomes of some species — including ginger, turmeric, and lotus are edible and valued for their culinary applications.
  • Flower refers to the plant structures involved in sexual reproduction. Thus, they are typically comprised of sexual reproductive structures in addition to nonessential parts such as sepals and petals. And the presence/absence of these structures may be used to describe flowers and flowering plants (angiosperms). Flowers can either be Complete, or Incomplete. A complete flower is the one that consists of sepals, petals, stamens and pistil. On the contrary, an incomplete flower is the one that lacks one or more of these structures. Many flowering plants produce conspicuous, colorful, scented petals in order to attract insect pollinators. There are plants, like grasses, that produce flowers that are less-conspicuous and lacking in petals.
  • the stamens entail the male structures: a semi-rigid filament with a sac called the anther dangling from the tip. Pollen grains develop in the anthers. Most anthers have slits or pores on the sides to accommodate pollen release.
  • the female organs are collectively referred to as the pistil and include a ‘landing pad’ at the top called the stigma, a slender stalk-like style that leads down to the swollen base called the ovary. The ovary is what will develop/ripen into a fruit.
  • an egg-shaped ovule that is held in place within the ovary by means of a short stalk.
  • the ovule is what develops into a seed.
  • Fruits have seeds. Some flowers are produced singly whereas others are produced in clusters called inflorescences.
  • An inflorescence is characterized by one peduncle with many little stalks serving individual flowers. The little stalks, in this case, are called pedicels, and each stalk services one flower.
  • flowers are a source food, dies, spices and of ornamental value.
  • the term “Fruit” refers to a mature or ripened ovary that usually contains seeds, it is the seed-bearing structure in flowering plants that is formed from the ovary after flowering.
  • Fruits are the means by which flowering plants disseminate their seeds. Edible fruits in particular have long propagated using the movements of humans and animals in a symbiotic relationship that is the means for seed dispersal for the one group and nutrition for the other; in fact, humans and many animals have become dependent on fruits as a source of food.
  • a fruit, ripened ovary has three major regions that are sometimes difficult to distinguish from each other. The outer layer, sometimes referred to as the skin, is actually called the exocarp.
  • the mesocarp is the fleshy portion that is usually eaten when consuming fruit.
  • the endocarp is the innermost boundary around the seed. Sometimes the endocarp is hard and stony such as a peach pit that surrounds the seed.
  • the endocarp can also be papery as in apples, where it is barely visible in cross-section. All three of these regions; the exocarp, mesocarp, and endocarp, are collectively called the pericarp.
  • the pericarp can be quite thin, as is the case with dry fruits. Some fruits have flower parts modified or fused to the ovary at maturity. Fruits are classified according to features at maturity: fleshy, dry, split exposing seeds, non- splitting, one ovary or multiple ovaries. Fruits maybe classified based on the arrangement from which they derive: (1) simple fruits, (2) aggregate fruits, (3) multiple fruits, and (4) accessory fruits.
  • the term “canopy” refers to the layer formed by the branches and leaves of plants or trees above ground or water level (depending on the plant growth environment), however, in the current application the canopy is the layer formed by the branches and crowns of plants rising above a module spacing layer level.
  • the cover of the canopy can be continuous, or discontinuous, with gaps. Since the canopy consist, inter alia, of leaves, light energy absorption for photosynthesis is mainly attributed to the plant canopy. A dense canopy cover will let little light reach the ground and will lower temperatures.
  • foliage refers to the leaves of a plant or tree, or leaves on the stems or branches on which they are growing.
  • the term “about” refers to any value preferably being up to plus/minus 10% or plus/minus 25% than the defined measure.
  • canopy average diameter refers to an imaginary circle drawn on a top view of any leafy canopy, where its diameter includes 90% of the plant leaves surface area.
  • weight equilibrium refers to the weight of a module of the present invention which remains constant once it is reached, given the continuous watering regime.
  • Seeding refers to sowing, the process of inserting or spreading plant seeds into/onto the ground or any other growth substrate.
  • the term “Germination” refers to the first phase of the growth cycle in plants in which the embryo wakes up from the state of dormancy and takes to active life. This process, in fact, is the sum of all chemical, physical and biological changes seeds undergo to wake up from such dormancy and become active, further this process covers all the changes from the earliest sprouting of the seed till it established itself as an independent plant. A mature seed is living. But the embryo remains dormant.
  • the seed contains only 10% to 15 % of water, and this low water content is one of the factors responsible for dormancy, when certain external conditions are satisfied the dormant embryo begins to grow, five changes or steps characterize seed germination: (1) Imbibition (2) Respiration (3) Effect of light on seed germination (4) Mobilization of Reserves during Seed Germination and Role of Growth Regulators and (5) Development of Embryo Axis into Seedling.
  • Transplanting refers to the technique of moving a plant from one location to another. Usually, starting a plant from seed in optimal conditions, such as in a greenhouse or protected nursery bed or protected plugs, then replanting it in another, growing location such as a larger container/pot, or larger cultivation system, or in a garden or in any other location. This is common in both horticulture and agriculture.
  • plugs refers to young plants, either seedlings or cuttings grown in single units in modular trays. This allows for minimum root disturbance when planting/potting. Plugs are a ready to plant unit, having been professionally nurtured through propagation and early growth stages. Plug plants are a protected house and stage between a seed and a fully-grown plant.
  • hydroponics refers to a cultivation method and systems where the plants are grown in a nutrient solution rather than in soil. Hydroponics uses only water and nutrients fertilizer to cultivate plants. Over the past few years, a number of variations to the basic system have been developed. Although it is possible to use hydroponics on outdoor crops, most of the hydroponics systems in the U.S. are in greenhouses. The greenhouse and its environment control system are the same whether plants are grown conventionally or with hydroponics. The difference comes from the support system and the method of supplying water and nutrients.
  • Aquaponics refers to a food production system that couples aquaculture (raising aquatic animals such as fish, crayfish, snails or prawns in tanks) with hydroponics (cultivating plants in water) whereby the nutrient rich aquaculture water is fed to hydroponic grown plant, involving nitrifying bacteria for converting ammonia into nitrates.
  • Aquaponics is a combination of aquaculture, which is growing fish and other aquatic animals, and hydroponics which is growing plants without soil. Aquaponics uses these two in a symbiotic combination in which plants are fed the aquatic animals’ discharge or waste. In return, the vegetables clean the water that goes back to the fish.
  • the term “Aeroponic” refers to cultivation method and systems diverted from hydroponics, where plants are nourished with nothing more than nutrientladen mist.
  • the roots are held in a soilless growing medium, such as coco coir, over which nutrient-laden water is periodically pumped. Aeroponics simply dispenses with the growing medium, leaving the roots to dangle in the air, where they are periodically puffed by specially-designed misting devices.
  • seeds are “planted” in pieces of foam stuffed into tiny pots, which are exposed to light on one end and nutrient mist on the other. The foam also holds the stem and root mass in place as the plants grow
  • the term “Pores' spacing” refers to the distance between one pore to the other in the spacing layer of the present invention.
  • Pores' density refers to the numbers of pores per cm 2 in the spacing layer of the present invention.
  • Buffer zone refers to a layer or a space that is designed to separates a plant's stem, leaves and fruits from moist and thus prevent decay.
  • the present invention provides a module and various methods for soilless plant cultivation for large- or small-scale agricultural purposes, urban agriculture and limited space agriculture purposes and/or horticulture purposes, both for outdoor (field, gardens, roofs, traces etc.) and indoor (greenhouses, ecological bioreactors, etc.).
  • the module of the present invention is a soilless platform for plant cultivation able to support and provide the specific and changing requirements of each step of the cultivation process: seeding, germination, plant growth and harvest, or the production, supply and reuse chain.
  • the present invention provides a module with dual configurations a mat-like planar configuration and a cylindrical configuration the shift from one configuration to the other is easy to preform and can be done for as many times as needed.
  • Each configuration contributes to the optimization of the process.
  • the mat-like planar configuration along with the light weight of the module ranging from about 50 to about 500 grams per square meter, facilitate a very efficient packing for transport of multiple modules after seeding and germination, by that reducing the number of vehicles needed to transport a large number of modules, reducing transport costs, and reducing transport environmental adverse effect.
  • the module comprises a substrate configured for soilless plant cultivation from seeding to harvest.
  • the substrate is characterized by (a) at least one spacing layer characterized by pores for housing at least one seed, or at least one seedling, or at least one plant, (b) at least one capillary layer for water and nutrients supply, (c) at least one fibrous layer for root growth and mechanical tropism.
  • the substrate is in a mat-like planar configuration for seeding, germination and efficient transport, or rolled into a cylindrical configuration to be hang vertically for plant's vertical growth and harvest.
  • the substrate post-harvest is opened from the cylindrical configuration to the mat-like planar configuration, the layers are separated and the fibrous core and spacing layers are rinsed, dry and reused.
  • the module in the cylindrical configuration can be rotated and/or transportable towards or from a light source (natural or artificial) to allow optimal light exposure for all the plants grown on the module regardless to their location on the module.
  • the spacing layer's pores density is optimized and selected according to a data bank of plants optimal growth conditions and plants treatment instructions.
  • the module can be weighed in a predetermined time interval each time the module is watered at a known and constant rate until there is a weight equilibrium, the delta between intervals can give indication regarding the added biomass during the plant growth allowing a better planning of plant treatment. Since the initial wet weight of aforementioned module is known, it is easy to calculate the biomass.
  • the module can be photographed by video camera, or an Infrared camera, or a thermal camera, or a digital camera at predetermined time intervals, the photos can be analyzed using conventionally available image processing software to determine the added greenery/foliage area during the plant growth, to assist in planning the future required treatments, and enrich the plant growth data bank.
  • the module is inoculated with PGPB.
  • the module is disposed in an Ecological Bioreactor (EBR), filtering insects and particles, controlling the temperature, ventilation and plants growth conditions.
  • EBR Ecological Bioreactor
  • the module is disposed in a greenhouse.
  • the module as defined above is disposed outdoors.
  • the module as defined above is attached and/or detached to/from an irrigation system or apparatus.
  • kit for soilless plant cultivation comprising: at least one substrate in a mat-like planar configuration, at least one type of seeds for seeding in said substrate, at least one instruction manual for technical support for the module use and handling, and for plant cultivation.
  • the module of the present invention disclosed herein the module's spacing layer is elastically anisotropic and can be stretched in the latitudinal axis and cannot be stretched in the longitudinal axis.
  • the module of the present invention disclosed herein a module in which more than one type of plant is cultivated, for a non-limiting example, a module in which chive (Allium schoenoprasum) is grown on one section of the module and thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is grown on another section of the module.
  • chive Allium schoenoprasum
  • Thyme Thymus vulgaris
  • the module of the present invention in addition to leafy vegetables and herbs also vegetables and fruits derived from plants bulbs, roots, root-like stem, stem, flowers, corm, tuber, rhizome, fruits are cultivated on a module.
  • the fibrous core and the attached roots are separated from the capillary layer and the spacing layer.
  • the core and spacing layers are rinsed and reused.
  • one of the disclosed methods for plant soilless seeding, germination and cultivation comprising steps of providing a module as defined above, in a first mat-like planar configuration, Seeding the module, allowing germination, rolling the substrate as defined above into a second cylindrical configuration, weighing the second cylindrical configuration, hanging the second cylindrical configuration vertically, allowing plant growth, weighing the second cylindrical for a second time and only after watered at a known and constant rate until there is a weight equilibrium, calculating the added bio mass by deducting the second cylindrical configuration weight according to first weighing from the second cylindrical configuration weight according to second weighing, adjusting plant growth conditions according to the calculated biomass, allowing plant growth, harvesting, opening said cylinder to a first matlike planar configuration, discarding of roots by removing the fibrous core and the attached roots, separating the fibrous core and capillary layers, rinsing the core and spacing layers, reusing the core and spacing layers to form a renewed first mat-like planar configuration substrate; and repeat all steps
  • the inventors of the current application disclose a module comprising a substrate.
  • the substrate is characterized by three types of layers: spacing layer, capillary layer and a fibrous core layer.
  • the arrangement of the layers is determined according to plant cultivation data and instruction bank, and is adjusted and manufactured to optimize the conditions of each type of plant for seeding, germination, plant growth (both for horizontal farming in a mat-like planar configuration and for vertical farming in a cylindrical configuration) and harvest.
  • each type of layers is mounted on top of each other in a predetermined arrangement and attached together, for example in a non-limiting fashion, a capillary layer is sandwiched between a spacing layer and a fibrous core.
  • Each type of layers can repeat numerous times, for example in a non-limiting fashion, two capillary layers sandwiched between a spacing layer and a fibrous core layer, thus the width of the capillary layer double and so the water and nutrient retention and supply capabilities of the module enabling to support plants with high hydration requirements such as but not limited peas, lentils, fava beans, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collards, kale, kohlrabi, mustard, broccoli, turnips and watercress.
  • Fig.la and Fig.lb depicting a specific but not limiting arrangement (10) of the layers and the different type of layers, spacing layer (1), capillary layer (2) and fibrous layer (3).
  • the inventors of the current application disclose a spacing layer with pores configured to harbor plant seeds. Different spacing layers may vary in pore size and density. The pores size and density are determined by a plant cultivation data and instruction bank and according to the plant to be grown in a specific module.
  • Fig.2 and Fig.3 each of the figures depicting a schematic representation of the substrate in a matlike configuration, Fig.2 with a large pore size and low density of pores suitable for a plant with large size seeds, stem and wide canopy such as but not limited coriander, and Fig.3 a small pore size and high density of pores suitable for a plant with small size seeds, stem and narrow canopy such as but not limited chives.
  • the inventors of the current application disclose a module comprising a substrate characterized, inter alia, by at least one spacing layer.
  • the spacing layer has pores in predetermined size and density as above mentioned.
  • the spacing layer is configured to harbor seeds within the pores and allow germination and plant growth.
  • Reference in now made to Fig.4 a cross section of the spacing layer depicting a few pores (a) with seeds (b) inside the pores and transverse fiber spacers (c). Further the spacing layer is configured to allow air circulation around the seeds and thus keep the seeds from decay, the interstice between the pores and the transverse fiber spacers (c) facilitate the circulation within the spacing layer. Seeding can be done automatically or manually and each pore may harbor more than one seed (see Fig.4).
  • Example 4 Reference in now made to Fig.5 a cross section of the substrate with a plant growing in it.
  • Fig.5 schematically represent the contribution of the different types of layers of the current invention substrate;
  • a spacing layer characterized by pores for housing a plant, and allowing air circulation to keep the stem from too much moisture and preventing stem decay, further the spacing layer provides above mentioned module the mechanical stability and strength to enable the module carrying the load of the growing plants and water retained within the module,
  • a capillary layer for water and nutrients supply and retention upon irrigation of the module water and nutrients are absorbed and spread by the capillary layer and the fibrous core layer
  • a fibrous core layer for root growth and mechanical tropism the roots are growing towards the fibrous core layer and attach to it upon contact, the attachment to the fibrous core keeps the roots substantially straight and prevents them from getting tangled and dense, thus air flow around the roots is secured and decay is prevented.
  • the inventors of the current application disclose a cylindrical configuration of the module for growth and harvest.
  • the module can be rolled from the mat-like planar configuration into a cylindrical configuration and subsequently be disposed vertically to enable vertical plant growth and vertical farming.
  • Reference in now made to Fig.6 a side view of plants grown vertically on the module in its cylindrical configuration (60).
  • the plant canopy (61) is free to grow toward a light source covering a larger circumference than the module circumference, the plants stem (62) are growing from the spacing layer (63) and outwards, the capillary layer (64), the fibrous layer (65) and the fibrous core (66) each contribute to the optimal growth of the plant.
  • An optimal light exposure of the plants is a key element for plant growth.
  • the inventors of the present application disclose a module when in the cylindrical configuration is rotatable around the longitudinal axis and/or transferable/relocatable allowing an optimal light exposure according to the plant growth instructions and light conditions.
  • the rotation of the module around the longitudinal axis provides any plant growing in the module with an optimal exposure to a light source regardless of the location of the plant in the module.
  • An arc of the module in the cylindrical configuration and all the plants growing on that arc can be on the module side directly exposed to a light source, or can be on the opposite side of the module away from the light source, or in any point between the two positions, enabling the control of light exposure of the plants.
  • each module enables the relocation of the module towards or away from a light source, thus enabling to control the light exposure of numerous modules by alternating the modules between positions close, far and middle distance to a light source.
  • Fig.7 a schematic presentation of a numerus modules and a light source (83).
  • Each of the modules is rotatable around the longitudinal axis (81) to ensure an optimal exposure of each plant in the module regardless to its location on the module, further each of the modules is transferable (82) allowing an optimal light exposure management for numerus modules, by alternating the modules between different positions close, far and middle distance to a light source.
  • pore density is calculated and determined according to an optimal light exposure of the plant, the inventors of the present application disclose a maximal light flux efficacy formula:
  • x is the module width when in a mat-like planar configuration and/or the circumference of the module in a cylindrical configuration
  • a is the distance of a plant's canopy form the spacing layer's surface
  • d is the canopy average diameter.
  • the module as defined above supports a wide range of vegetables and fruits derived from different plant parts such as but not limiting, plants bulbs, roots, root-like stem, stem, flowers, corm, tuber, rhizome, and fruits.
  • Edible flowers are in vogue for at least the last decade, the costliest edible flower derived food is the spice saffron most can be cultivated on the module as defined above.
  • Plant fruits which gastronomically defined as vegetables e.g, cucumbers, squash, zucchini, tomatoes, cherry tomatoes
  • An exemplary yet not limiting list of root and flower derived vegetables and spices able to be grown on the module as defined above is provided in table 1 below.
  • Table 1 examples for root and flower derived vegetables and spices, however there are many plants have more than one edible part and can fit in to more than one category.
  • a kit for soilless plant cultivation mainly for home/small scale usage comprises at least one module in a mat-like planar configuration, at least one type of seeds for seeding in the module, at least one instruction manual for technical support for the module use and handling, and for plant cultivation.
  • the kit is sent to a costumer via mail or by an international and/or national delivery service.
  • the module can be assembled seeded and positioned indoors (e.g., house, office, greenhouse, ecological bioreactor, both two latter may be located outdoors) or outdoors in a desired area (e.g., garden, terrace, balcony, roof).
  • any person can grow the type of plant in the specific kit from seed to harvest or, in case of horticulture from seed to flower/fully grown plant.

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Abstract

A module for soilless plant seeding, germination and cultivation comprising: a substrate disposable in a first mat-like planar configuration for seeding and germination and said substrate is disposable in a second cylindrical configuration for growth and harvest, said substrate in said second cylindrical configuration is further provided with at least one fibrous core substantially disposed along the central axis of said cylindrical configuration, said fibrous core comprises at least one liquid conducting core for water and nutrients supply, roots attachment and post-harvest separation of roots from the substrate.

Description

Title
A MODULE FOR SOILLESS PLANT SEEDING, GERMINATION AND CULTIVATION, AND METHODS THEREOF
Field of invention
The present disclosure relates to the field of soilless agriculture and horticulture, and more particularly a module for soilless plants cultivation with dual configurations first mat - like planar configuration for efficient seeding, germination and transport and second cylindrical configuration for efficient vertical cultivation and harvest.
Background of invention
The United Nations (UN) disclose in its World Population Prospects 2019 report, that the world’s population continues to grow. From an estimated 7.7 billion people worldwide in 2019, the medium-variant projection indicates that the global population could grow to around 8.5 billion in 2030, 9.7 billion in 2050, and 10.9 billion in 2100. The general consensus is that global agriculture production has to be increased by about 60-70 percent from the current levels to meet the increased food demand in 2050.
In 2050, the arable land will increase by about 200 million hectares, mainly from Sub- Saharan Africa and Latin America. This expansion may come at a heavy price as deforestation, in the Amazon for example, would cause severe ecological upheavals and release of more carbon stored in the soils to the atmosphere. These virgin lands are not readily available for agriculture as they lack chemical, physical, biological and infrastructure requirements for single crop species. For many individual countries, the option of farming more land does not exist in practice. In contrast, increasing productivity currently presents a more sustainable approach to food security. The potential to increase crop yield even with existing technologies is considerable (www.canr.msu.edu/news/feeding-the-world-in-2050-and-beyond-part-l).
According to the food and agriculture organization of the UN, a range of pressures including rapid population growth, urbanization, growing wealth and consequent changes in consumption patterns, are challenging our food systems’ ability to provide nutritious food, and to contribute to enhanced livelihood opportunities in an environmentally sustainable way. Our food systems are contributing to, and affected by, extreme weather events as associated with climate change, land degradation and biodiversity loss. Responding to these challenges requires a systems-based approach that addresses the range and complexities in a holistic and sustainable manner.
A sustainable food system is one that delivers food security and nutrition for all in such a way that the economic, social and environmental bases to generate food security and nutrition for future generation is not compromised. This means that it is profitable throughout, ensuring economic sustainability, it has broad-based benefits for society, securing social sustainability, and that it has a positive or neutral impact on the natural resource environment, safeguarding the sustainability of the environment (www.fao.org/food-systems/en). Conventional agricultural (Geoponic) practices can cause a wide range of negative impacts on the environment. Some of the negative impacts of conventional agriculture include the high and inefficient use of water, large land requirements, high concentrations of nutrients consumption, chemical pollution due to the use of fertilizers and pesticides, and soil degradation. Conventional agricultural systems use large quantities of irrigation fresh water and fertilizers, with relatively marginal returns. Hydroponics, aeroponics and aquaponics are modern agriculture systems that utilize nutrient-rich water rather than soil for plant nourishment. Because it does not require fertile land in order to be effective, those new modern agriculture systems require less water and space compared with the conventional agricultural systems, another advantage of those technologies is the ability to practice the vertical farming production which increase the yield of the area unit. The benefits of the new modern agriculture systems are numerous. In addition to higher yields and water efficiency, when practiced in a controlled environment, those new modern systems can be designed to support continuous production throughout the year (Ali AlShrouf, American Scientific Research Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences (ASRJETS) ISSN (Print) 2313-4410, ISSN (Online) 2313-4402.) With the aim of increasing crop yield per unit area of land, the concept of Vertical Farming (VF) is currently gathering momentum. By farming upwards rather than outwards, this technique aims to reduce pressure on traditional agricultural land and, by incorporating soil-free growing systems, is particularly attractive for use in urban areas. (Andrew M. Beacham, Laura H. Vickers & James M. Monaghan (2019), The Journal of Horticultural Science and Biotechnology, 94:3, 277-283, DOI:
10.1080/14620316.2019.1574214). Vertical farming is the cutting edge of agriculture. Offering the ability to grow more crops, in a controlled environment, inside major distributions hubs, it takes advantage of economies of scale in a way no other farming operation can. Even if there is adequate spacing for traditional farming, it is not guaranteed that the soil is farmable. Vertical farming holds the promise of addressing these issues by enabling more food to be produced with less resources use. There are other substantial benefits, such as: year-round crop production, limited environmental crop failures (drought, hail, and floods), reduced pest infestations, diminished pesticide use, proficient weed management, and no polluted ground water. Another straightforward advantage is the ease of harvest. Traditional farming could require difficult labor to harvest crops, such as bending over numerous hours. In a vertical system, crops are much easier to harvest, given that they are grown at an elevated height, normally starting around the knees to a higher level. Due to the constraints of space, some urban agriculture techniques encourage the cultivation of crops in pots filled with soilless mix and arranged in vertical stands instead of the conventional horizontal setup. Soilless plant culture provides support for plant growth without the use of soil as a rooting medium. Soilless medium provides plant roots with functions similar to those provided by soil, which includes providing aeration and water, allowing for maximum root growth and physically supporting the plant. Materials commonly used for soilless medium include organic materials such as peat moss, compost, tree bark, coconut coir, poultry feathers, or inorganic materials such as clay, perlite, vermiculite, and mineral wool. This method is associated with many advantages, such as enabling good root growth, improved germination rates, and better management of irrigation and fertilizer applied. The yield of crop depends on the substrates properties, such as absorption capability and making water and nutrients (fertilizer) available at the plant root region for uptake and utilization by the plant
An ideal soilless plant growth media should provide basic plant requirements, such as anchorage, good drainage, aeration, biological and chemical stability, and water. It should also possess good nutrient retention capabilities. (www.mdpi.com/search?q=Substrate+Properties+and+Fertilizer+Rates+on+Yield+Resp onses+of+Lettuce+in+a+Vertical+Growth+System).
In terms of performance and economic considerations, peat is in many ways an ideal constituent of soilless growing media. It is low in plant nutrients but able to adsorb and release them when added as fertilizer. Widespread reserves of peat exist in the northern hemisphere, making it a readily available and relatively cheap resource. Consequently, it has become the material of choice throughout plant production systems from propagation to saleable ‘finished plant’ material. However, the extraction of peat has well documented negative impacts on the environment; arguably the most important of these is the release of stable, sequestered carbon into the active carbon cycle, thereby exacerbating climate change. During the last 20 years, peat extraction has come under increasing scrutiny throughout Europe and particularly in the UK. This has generated an abundance of studies examining a diverse range of alternative materials. In the selection of new materials, environmental considerations have become as important as performance and economic cost. Coir, pine bark, wood fiber (and to a smaller extent green composts) have in many cases replaced peat, but still there are negative impacts and limitations of those materials. (G.E. Barrett, P.D. Alexander, J.S. Robinson, N.C. Bragg, 2016)
In view of the prior art and given the various challenges described above, there is still an unmet long-felt need for a novel material in a broader commercial context with improved productivity and efficiency of soilless cultivation, whilst performance, economic and environmental considerations (such as cost and availability, sustainability) are met and optimize.
Summary of the invention:
It is thus one object of the present invention to disclose a module for soilless plant seeding, germination and cultivation comprising: a. a substrate characterized by: i. at least one spacing layer characterized by pores for housing at least one seed, or at least one seedling, or at least one plant, ii. at least one capillary layer for water and nutrients supply, iii. at least one fibrous layer for root growth and mechanical tropism, wherein, said substrate is disposable in a first mat-like planar configuration for seeding and germination and said substrate is disposable in a second cylindrical configuration for growth and harvest, said substrate in said second cylindrical configuration is further provided with at least one fibrous core substantially disposed along the central axis of said cylindrical configuration, said fibrous core comprises at least one liquid conducting core for water and nutrients supply, roots attachment and post-harvest separation of roots from the substrate.
It is another obeject of the present invention to disclose the aforementioned module, wherein said spacing layer, capillary layer, fibrous layer fibrous core and are layered preseeding in a preselected order and attached by means selected from a group consisting of: clamp, fastener, Velcro™, sticker, glue, clippers, cable tie, staples, buttons, click buttons, split pin and any combination thereof.
It is another obeject of the present invention to disclose the aforementioned substrate, wherein said spacing layer pores' size and the space between said pores is preselected with accordance to a plant cultivation data bank information, instruction and the particular plant in such way that in said second cylindrical configuration, each plant is allocated with a growth space dimensions configured to provide said plant with maximal light flux efficacy required by the particular plant.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose the aforementioned substrate, wherein said pores' spacing is determined by: a. parameters: i. "x" said module width when in said mat-like planar configuration and/or the circumference of said second cylindrical configuration, ii. "a" is the distance of said plant's canopy form said spacing layer surface; and iii. "d" is the canopy average diameter, b. maximal light flux efficacy formula:
Figure imgf000007_0001
It is another object of the present invention to disclose the aforementioned substrate, wherein said pores' density is determined by: a. parameters: i. "x" said module width when in said mat-like planar configuration and/or the circumference of said second cylindrical configuration, ii. "a" is the distance of said plant's canopy form said spacing layer surface; and iii. "d" is the canopy average diameter, b. maximal light flux efficacy formula:
Figure imgf000007_0002
It is another object of the present invention to disclose the aforementioned substrate, wherein upon rolling said substrate from said first mat-like planar configuration into said second cylindrical configuration two of said substrate opposite ends are fastened by means selected from a group consisting of: clamp, fastener, Velcro™, sticker, glue, clippers, cable tie, staples, buttons, click buttons, split pin and any combination thereof.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose the aforementioned module, wherein post-harvest said second cylindrical configuration is unrolled/opened back into said first mat-like planar configuration, and said attached spacing layer, capillary layer, fibrous core, and fibrous layer are separated, rinsed, dry and reused.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose the aforementioned substrate, wherein said capillary layer is configured to retain and/or allow the flow of water and nutrients.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose the aforementioned module, wherein said fibrous core is configured to a. retain and/or allow the flow of water and nutrients, b. allow root attachment; and c. allow post-harvest separation of roots from the substrate when in the first mat-like planar configuration by detaching said core with the attached roots from the capillary layer.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose the aforementioned substrate, wherein said spacing layer is elastically anisotropic and can be stretched in the width axis and cannot be stretched in the length axis.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose the aforementioned module, where said second cylindrical configuration is disposed vertically for plant vertical growth and harvest.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose the aforementioned module, wherein said second cylindrical configuration is rotatable around the longitudinal axis and/or transferable/relocatable allowing an optimal light exposure according to the plant growth instructions and light conditions.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose the module according to claim 10, wherein said second cylindrical configuration is attachable and/or detachable to an existing water irrigation system.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose the aforementioned module, wherein the substrate is inoculated with Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria (PGPB).
It is another object of the present invention to disclose the aforementioned module, wherein said substrate is air permeable in said first mat-like planar configuration and/or in said second cylindrical configuration facilitating root ventilation and oxidation. It is another object of the present invention to disclose the aforementioned module, wherein said first mat-like configuration is transportable.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose the aforementioned module, weigh about 210 g for every 1400 cm2 in accordance with the spacing layer.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose the aforementioned module, wherein said first mat-like planar configuration and said second cylindrical configuration is weighed before watering and after water from irrigation system have evaporated and the added biomass during plant growth is calculated for planning the subsequent plant treatment, or harvest timing.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose the aforementioned substrate, wherein said spacing layer is a buffer zone configured to keep the plant's stem, leaves and fruits away/apart from the moist of said fibrous layer and said capillary layer.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method for plant soilless seeding, germination and cultivation comprising steps of: a. providing the aforementioned module as defined above in said first matlike planar configuration, b. Seeding said module, c. allowing germination, d. rolling said substrate into said second cylindrical configuration, e. hanging said second cylindrical configuration vertically, f. allowing plant growth, g. harvesting, h. opening said second cylindrical configuration to said first mat-like planar configuration, i. discarding of roots by removing said fibrous core and said attached roots j. separating said core and capillary layers, k. rinsing said core and spacing layers, l. reusing said core and spacing layers to form a renewed first mat-like planar configuration substrate; and m. repeat steps a-1 about 1 +n times.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method for plant soilless seeding, germination and cultivation comprising steps of: a. providing the aforementioned module as defined before in said first matlike planar configuration, b. Seeding said module, c. allowing germination, d. rolling said substrate into said second cylindrical configuration, e. weighing said second cylindrical configuration f. hanging said second cylindrical configuration vertically, g. allowing plant growth, h. weighing said second cylindrical i. calculating the added bio mass by deducting said second cylindrical configuration weight according to section e from said second cylindrical configuration weight according to section h, j . adjusting plant growth conditions according to the result of section I, k. allowing plant growth, l. harvesting, m. opening said second cylindrical configuration to said first mat-like planar configuration, n. discarding of roots by removing said fibrous core and said attached roots o. separating said core and capillary layers, p. rinsing said core and spacing layers, q. reusing said core and spacing layers to form a renewed first mat-like planar configuration substrate; and r. repeat steps a-q about 1 +n times. It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method for plant soilless seeding, germination and cultivation comprising steps: a. providing the aforementioned module as defined above in said first mat-like planar configuration, b. inoculating said substrate with PGPB, c. seeding said module, d. allowing germination, e. rolling said substrate into said second cylindrical configuration, f. hanging said second cylindrical configuration vertically, g. allowing plant growth, h. harvesting, i. opening said cylinder to said first mat-like planar configuration, j. discarding of roots by removing said fibrous rope and said attached roots k. separating said core and capillary layers, l. rinsing said core and spacing layers, m. reusing said core and spacing layers to form a renewed first mat-like planar configuration substrate; and n. repeat steps a-m about 1 +n times.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method for plant soilless seeding, germination and cultivation comprising steps: a. providing the aforementioned module as defined above in said first mat-like planar configuration, b. seeding said module, c. allowing germination, d. transporting said substrate in said first mat like planar configuration to a destination of interest, e. rolling said substrate into said second cylindrical configuration, f. hanging said second cylindrical configuration vertically, g. allowing plant growth, h. harvesting, i. opening said second cylindrical configuration to said first mat-like planar configuration, j. discarding of roots by removing said fibrous rope and said attached roots, k. separating said core and capillary layers, l. rinsing said core and spacing layers, m. reusing said core and spacing layers to form a renewed first mat-like planar configuration substrate; and n. repeat steps a-m about 1 +n times.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method for plant soilless seeding, germination and cultivation comprising steps: a. providing the aforementioned module as defined above in said first matlike planar configuration, b. inoculating said module with PGPB c. seeding said substrate, d. allowing germination, e. transporting said substrate in said first mat like planar configuration to a destination of interest, f. rolling said substrate into said second cylindrical configuration, g. hanging said second cylindrical configuration vertically, h. allowing plant growth, i. harvesting, j . opening said second cylindrical configuration to said first mat-like planar configuration, k. discarding of roots by removing said fibrous rope and said attached roots l. separating said core and capillary layers, m. rinsing said core and spacing layers, n. reusing said core and spacing layers to form a renewed first mat-like planar configuration substrate; and o. repeat steps a-n about l+n times.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a kit for soilless plant cultivation comprising: a. at least one aforementioned module in a mat-like planar configuration as defined above, b. at least one type of seeds for seeding in said substrate, c. at least one instruction manual for technical support for the module use and handling, and for plant cultivation.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose the aforementioned kit is delivered by means selected from a group consisting of: mail, air mail, naval mail, delivery service, national and international couriers and any combination thereof.
These exemplary embodiments are mentioned not to limit or define the invention, but to provide examples of embodiments of the invention to aid understanding thereof. Exemplary embodiments are discussed in the Detailed Description, and further description of the invention is provided there. Advantages offered by the various embodiments of the present invention may be further understood by examining this specification.
Brief description of the figures
The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention are better understood when the following Detailed Description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Fig.la-lb A schematic presentation of the layers and an arragment of the layers of the module of the present invention. Fig.2 A schematic presentation of the mat-like planar configuration of the present invention, depicting large size pores with large gaps between them pores.
Fig.3 A schematic presentation of the mat-like planar configuration of the present invention, depicting small size pores with small gaps between them pores.
Fig.4 A schematic presentation of a sectional view of the spacing layer of the module of the present invention, depicting seeds disposed within the spacing layer's pores.
Fig.5 A schematic presentation of a sectional view of the module of the present invention depicting the plant parts (roots, stem and leaves) at the corelating topography of the module (core, capillary layer, spacing layer).
Fig.6 depicting a schematic presentation of the cylindrical configuration of the module of the present invention and plants' orientation.
Fig.7 A schematic top view of several modules of the present invention and their arrangement towards a light source as a single unit or in a group.
Fig.8 A schematic presentation of plants growing on the mat-like planar configuration of the present invention, depicting the dimensional parameters ‘x, a, d’ for determining the pore spacing.
Fig.9 A schematic presentation top view of plants growing on the cylindrical configuration of the present invention, depicting the dimensional parameters ‘x, a, d’ for determining the pore spacing.
Fig.10 depicting a graphical representation of the light efficiency of the module of the present invention. Detailed description of preferred embodiments
The following description is provided, alongside all chapters of the present invention, so as to enable any person skilled in the art to make use of the invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out this invention. Various modifications, however, are adapted to remain apparent to those skilled in the art, since the generic principles of the present invention have been defined specifically to provide a multilayer reusable module for soilless preplanned plant seeding, germination, cultivation and harvest. The module may be in a mat-like planar configuration to enable seeding, germination and cost-effective transport, or rolled into a cylindrical configuration for vertical farming enabling plant growth and harvest. Further the module's layers can be separated after harvest, rinsed, dry and reused.
As used herein after, the term “plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB)” refers to bacteria that can enhance plant growth and protect plants from disease and abiotic stresses through a wide variety of mechanisms, the PGPB provide multiple benefits in agriculture by enhancing crop productivity and nutrient content and suppressing the growth of pathogens.
As used herein after, the term “stem” refers to a part of the shoot system of a plant, stems may range in length from a few millimeters to hundreds of meters. Stems also vary in diameter, depending on the plant type. Stems are usually above ground, although the stems of some plants, such as the potato, also grow underground. Stems may be herbaceous (soft) or woody in nature. Their main function is to provide support to the plant, holding leaves, flowers, and buds; in some cases, stems also store food for the plant. A stem may be unbranched highly branched. The stem of the plant connects the roots to the leaves, helping to transport absorbed water and minerals to different parts of the plant. The stem also helps to transport the products of photosynthesis from the leaves to the rest of the plant. A stem connects the roots to the leaves, provides support, stores food, and holds the leaves, flowers, and buds. Plant stems, whether above or below ground, are characterized by the presence of nodes and internodes. Nodes are points of attachment for leaves, aerial roots, and flowers. The stem region between two nodes is called an internode. There are plants' stems which are edible by humans (e.g., Asparagus, Cinnamon, Bamboo, Palms, etc.). As used herein after, the term “leaf’ or "leaves" refers to a generally flattened green outgrowth from the stem of a plant. As the primary sites of photosynthesis, leaves manufacture food (sugar) for plants, leaves are an integral part of the stem system. Leaves are attached by a continuous vascular system to the rest of the plant so that free exchange of nutrients, water, and end products of photosynthesis (oxygen and carbohydrates in particular) can be carried to its various parts. Leafy plants (e.g., Lettuce, Kale, Spinach, Basil, Arugula, etc.) constitute the majority of crops in hydroponics, aeroponics, and aquaponics.
As used herein after, the term “Root” refers to the usually underground axial organs of a plant, a primary root is the root originated from the root of the seedling, a secondary (lateral) root is originate from the primary roots, and an adventitious root is originated on stems, sometimes also on leaves. Roots provide an anchor for the plant, as well as a means to extract and absorb valuable nutrients and water from the soil. The root does not bear leaves or flowers and tends to grow downwards directed by gravitation. Roots employ many different modifications one of which is the ability to store sugars for instance starch. Many plants' roots are edible by humans and there are some areas that roots are the main food supply for the area's habitants.
As used herein after, the term “Bulb” refers to a collection of underground leaves that store food and water to enable the plant to survive adverse conditions. At the center of the bulb is a vegetative growing point or an unexpanded flowering shoot. The base is formed by a reduced stem, and plant growth occurs from this basal plate. Roots emerge from the underside of the base, and new stems and leaves from the upper side of the bulb. The leaves of the bulb are visible as layers. Due to this layered nature, bulbs are often called true bulbs. Bulbs are usually rounded or egg-shaped. Tulips, onions, daffodils, alliums, hyacinths, and lilies are some examples of bulbs. Some of the bulbs are edible by humans.
As used herein after, the term “Corm” refers to a modified stem with a tunic. Derived from stem tissue that differentiated to store nutrients and food to fuel growth and to help plants survive unfavorable conditions. Corms are rounded but flattened. Their fibrous tunic is called netted or reticulate. Some tunics are smoother with rings called annulate, unlike in bulbs, these do not appear as visible rings when the corm is cut in half. The basal plate occurs at the bottom of the corm and a corm may have several growing points, which appear as bumps or nodes. Many corms produce offshoots known as daughter corms or cormels that are used for vegetative reproduction. Corms are sometimes called solid bulbs, or bulbo-tubers, but they are distinguished from true bulbs and tubers.
As used herein after, the term “Tuber” refers to the undifferentiated specialized storage stem of certain seed plants. Tubers are usually short and thickened and typically grow below the soil. Largely composed of starch-storing parenchyma tissue, they constitute the resting stage of various plants and enable overwintering in many species. As modified stems, most tubers bear minute scale leaves, each with a bud that has the potential for developing into a new plant, roots develop from the bottom of the tuber, although tubers lack a basal plate. Tubers do not produce an offspring but, they grow in size in every year. Some tubers have fleshy roots, which look like fat fingers. Some may argue that there are two types of tubers, stem tubers and root tubers, for instance, Stem tubers such as potatoes are underground stems, Root tubers such as beets are underground roots.
As used herein after, the term “Rhizome” refers to a swollen underground stem, which grow horizontally under the soil capable of producing the shoot and root systems of a new plant. New growing points occur along the surface of the rhizomes. Rhizomes are used to store starches and proteins and enable plants to perennate underground. Additionally, rhizome allow the parent plant to propagate asexually (vegetative propagation). Notably, the rhizomes of some species — including ginger, turmeric, and lotus are edible and valued for their culinary applications.
As used herein after, the term “Flower” refers to the plant structures involved in sexual reproduction. Thus, they are typically comprised of sexual reproductive structures in addition to nonessential parts such as sepals and petals. And the presence/absence of these structures may be used to describe flowers and flowering plants (angiosperms). Flowers can either be Complete, or Incomplete. A complete flower is the one that consists of sepals, petals, stamens and pistil. On the contrary, an incomplete flower is the one that lacks one or more of these structures. Many flowering plants produce conspicuous, colorful, scented petals in order to attract insect pollinators. There are plants, like grasses, that produce flowers that are less-conspicuous and lacking in petals. These plants do not require insects but rely on other agents of pollination, such as wind. Nestled inside two outer whorls are the sexual organs of the flower. The stamens entail the male structures: a semi-rigid filament with a sac called the anther dangling from the tip. Pollen grains develop in the anthers. Most anthers have slits or pores on the sides to accommodate pollen release. The female organs are collectively referred to as the pistil and include a ‘landing pad’ at the top called the stigma, a slender stalk-like style that leads down to the swollen base called the ovary. The ovary is what will develop/ripen into a fruit. Inside the ovary is an egg-shaped ovule that is held in place within the ovary by means of a short stalk. The ovule is what develops into a seed. Fruits have seeds. Some flowers are produced singly whereas others are produced in clusters called inflorescences. An inflorescence is characterized by one peduncle with many little stalks serving individual flowers. The little stalks, in this case, are called pedicels, and each stalk services one flower. For humans, flowers are a source food, dies, spices and of ornamental value.
As used herein after, the term “Fruit” refers to a mature or ripened ovary that usually contains seeds, it is the seed-bearing structure in flowering plants that is formed from the ovary after flowering. Fruits are the means by which flowering plants disseminate their seeds. Edible fruits in particular have long propagated using the movements of humans and animals in a symbiotic relationship that is the means for seed dispersal for the one group and nutrition for the other; in fact, humans and many animals have become dependent on fruits as a source of food. A fruit, ripened ovary, has three major regions that are sometimes difficult to distinguish from each other. The outer layer, sometimes referred to as the skin, is actually called the exocarp. The mesocarp is the fleshy portion that is usually eaten when consuming fruit. The endocarp is the innermost boundary around the seed. Sometimes the endocarp is hard and stony such as a peach pit that surrounds the seed. The endocarp can also be papery as in apples, where it is barely visible in cross-section. All three of these regions; the exocarp, mesocarp, and endocarp, are collectively called the pericarp. The pericarp can be quite thin, as is the case with dry fruits. Some fruits have flower parts modified or fused to the ovary at maturity. Fruits are classified according to features at maturity: fleshy, dry, split exposing seeds, non- splitting, one ovary or multiple ovaries. Fruits maybe classified based on the arrangement from which they derive: (1) simple fruits, (2) aggregate fruits, (3) multiple fruits, and (4) accessory fruits.
As used herein after, the term “canopy” refers to the layer formed by the branches and leaves of plants or trees above ground or water level (depending on the plant growth environment), however, in the current application the canopy is the layer formed by the branches and crowns of plants rising above a module spacing layer level. The cover of the canopy can be continuous, or discontinuous, with gaps. Since the canopy consist, inter alia, of leaves, light energy absorption for photosynthesis is mainly attributed to the plant canopy. A dense canopy cover will let little light reach the ground and will lower temperatures.
As used herein after, the term “foliage” refers to the leaves of a plant or tree, or leaves on the stems or branches on which they are growing.
As used herein after, the term “about” refers to any value preferably being up to plus/minus 10% or plus/minus 25% than the defined measure.
As used herein after, the term “canopy average diameter” refers to an imaginary circle drawn on a top view of any leafy canopy, where its diameter includes 90% of the plant leaves surface area.
As used herein after, the term “weight equilibrium” refers to the weight of a module of the present invention which remains constant once it is reached, given the continuous watering regime.
As used herein after, the term “Seeding” refers to sowing, the process of inserting or spreading plant seeds into/onto the ground or any other growth substrate.
As used herein after, the term “Germination” refers to the first phase of the growth cycle in plants in which the embryo wakes up from the state of dormancy and takes to active life. This process, in fact, is the sum of all chemical, physical and biological changes seeds undergo to wake up from such dormancy and become active, further this process covers all the changes from the earliest sprouting of the seed till it established itself as an independent plant. A mature seed is living. But the embryo remains dormant. The seed contains only 10% to 15 % of water, and this low water content is one of the factors responsible for dormancy, when certain external conditions are satisfied the dormant embryo begins to grow, five changes or steps characterize seed germination: (1) Imbibition (2) Respiration (3) Effect of light on seed germination (4) Mobilization of Reserves during Seed Germination and Role of Growth Regulators and (5) Development of Embryo Axis into Seedling.
As used herein after, the term “Transplanting” refers to the technique of moving a plant from one location to another. Mostly, starting a plant from seed in optimal conditions, such as in a greenhouse or protected nursery bed or protected plugs, then replanting it in another, growing location such as a larger container/pot, or larger cultivation system, or in a garden or in any other location. This is common in both horticulture and agriculture.
As used herein after, the term “plugs” refers to young plants, either seedlings or cuttings grown in single units in modular trays. This allows for minimum root disturbance when planting/potting. Plugs are a ready to plant unit, having been professionally nurtured through propagation and early growth stages. Plug plants are a protected house and stage between a seed and a fully-grown plant.
As used herein after, the term “hydroponics” refers to a cultivation method and systems where the plants are grown in a nutrient solution rather than in soil. Hydroponics uses only water and nutrients fertilizer to cultivate plants. Over the past few years, a number of variations to the basic system have been developed. Although it is possible to use hydroponics on outdoor crops, most of the hydroponics systems in the U.S. are in greenhouses. The greenhouse and its environment control system are the same whether plants are grown conventionally or with hydroponics. The difference comes from the support system and the method of supplying water and nutrients.
As used herein after, the term “Aquaponics” refers to a food production system that couples aquaculture (raising aquatic animals such as fish, crayfish, snails or prawns in tanks) with hydroponics (cultivating plants in water) whereby the nutrient rich aquaculture water is fed to hydroponic grown plant, involving nitrifying bacteria for converting ammonia into nitrates. Aquaponics is a combination of aquaculture, which is growing fish and other aquatic animals, and hydroponics which is growing plants without soil. Aquaponics uses these two in a symbiotic combination in which plants are fed the aquatic animals’ discharge or waste. In return, the vegetables clean the water that goes back to the fish. Along with the fish and their waste, microbes play an important role to the nutrition of the plants. These beneficial bacteria gather in the spaces between the roots of the plant and converts the fish waste and the solids into substances the plants can use to grow. The result is a perfect collaboration between aquaculture and gardening. As existing hydroponic and aquaculture farming techniques form the basis for all aquaponic systems, the size, complexity, and types of foods grown in an aquaponic system can vary as much as any system found in either distinct farming discipline.
As used herein after, the term “Aeroponic” refers to cultivation method and systems diverted from hydroponics, where plants are nourished with nothing more than nutrientladen mist. In aeroponics the roots are held in a soilless growing medium, such as coco coir, over which nutrient-laden water is periodically pumped. Aeroponics simply dispenses with the growing medium, leaving the roots to dangle in the air, where they are periodically puffed by specially-designed misting devices. In aeroponics systems, seeds are “planted” in pieces of foam stuffed into tiny pots, which are exposed to light on one end and nutrient mist on the other. The foam also holds the stem and root mass in place as the plants grow
As used herein after, the term “Pores' spacing” refers to the distance between one pore to the other in the spacing layer of the present invention.
As used herein after, the term “Pores' density” refers to the numbers of pores per cm2 in the spacing layer of the present invention.
As used herein after, the term “Buffer zone” refers to a layer or a space that is designed to separates a plant's stem, leaves and fruits from moist and thus prevent decay.
The present invention provides a module and various methods for soilless plant cultivation for large- or small-scale agricultural purposes, urban agriculture and limited space agriculture purposes and/or horticulture purposes, both for outdoor (field, gardens, roofs, traces etc.) and indoor (greenhouses, ecological bioreactors, etc.). The module of the present invention is a soilless platform for plant cultivation able to support and provide the specific and changing requirements of each step of the cultivation process: seeding, germination, plant growth and harvest, or the production, supply and reuse chain. Thus, bypassing the steps of (a) seeding, (b) germination in a nursery to produce ready to transplant seedlings such as for example in plugs or small cups or in nursery beds or tables and (c) transplanting the seedling into the growth and/or harvest substrate or platform.
The present invention provides a module with dual configurations a mat-like planar configuration and a cylindrical configuration the shift from one configuration to the other is easy to preform and can be done for as many times as needed. Each configuration contributes to the optimization of the process. For example, the mat-like planar configuration along with the light weight of the module ranging from about 50 to about 500 grams per square meter, facilitate a very efficient packing for transport of multiple modules after seeding and germination, by that reducing the number of vehicles needed to transport a large number of modules, reducing transport costs, and reducing transport environmental adverse effect.
Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the module comprises a substrate configured for soilless plant cultivation from seeding to harvest.
In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention the substrate is characterized by (a) at least one spacing layer characterized by pores for housing at least one seed, or at least one seedling, or at least one plant, (b) at least one capillary layer for water and nutrients supply, (c) at least one fibrous layer for root growth and mechanical tropism. In yet another preferred embodiment the substrate is in a mat-like planar configuration for seeding, germination and efficient transport, or rolled into a cylindrical configuration to be hang vertically for plant's vertical growth and harvest.
In yet another preferred embodiment the substrate post-harvest is opened from the cylindrical configuration to the mat-like planar configuration, the layers are separated and the fibrous core and spacing layers are rinsed, dry and reused.
In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention the module in the cylindrical configuration can be rotated and/or transportable towards or from a light source (natural or artificial) to allow optimal light exposure for all the plants grown on the module regardless to their location on the module.
In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention the spacing layer's pores density is optimized and selected according to a data bank of plants optimal growth conditions and plants treatment instructions.
In yet another preferred embodiment the module can be weighed in a predetermined time interval each time the module is watered at a known and constant rate until there is a weight equilibrium, the delta between intervals can give indication regarding the added biomass during the plant growth allowing a better planning of plant treatment. Since the initial wet weight of aforementioned module is known, it is easy to calculate the biomass.
In yet another preferred embodiment the module can be photographed by video camera, or an Infrared camera, or a thermal camera, or a digital camera at predetermined time intervals, the photos can be analyzed using conventionally available image processing software to determine the added greenery/foliage area during the plant growth, to assist in planning the future required treatments, and enrich the plant growth data bank.
In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention the module is inoculated with PGPB.
In yet another preferred embodiment the module is disposed in an Ecological Bioreactor (EBR), filtering insects and particles, controlling the temperature, ventilation and plants growth conditions. In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention the module is disposed in a greenhouse.
In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention disclosed herein the module as defined above is disposed outdoors.
In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention disclosed herein the module as defined above is attached and/or detached to/from an irrigation system or apparatus.
In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, disclosed herein a kit for soilless plant cultivation as defined above comprising: at least one substrate in a mat-like planar configuration, at least one type of seeds for seeding in said substrate, at least one instruction manual for technical support for the module use and handling, and for plant cultivation.
In yet another preferred embodiment the module of the present invention, disclosed herein the module's spacing layer is elastically anisotropic and can be stretched in the latitudinal axis and cannot be stretched in the longitudinal axis.
In yet another preferred embodiment the module of the present invention, disclosed herein a module in which more than one type of plant is cultivated, for a non-limiting example, a module in which chive (Allium schoenoprasum) is grown on one section of the module and thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is grown on another section of the module.
In yet another preferred embodiment the module of the present invention, disclosed herein, in addition to leafy vegetables and herbs also vegetables and fruits derived from plants bulbs, roots, root-like stem, stem, flowers, corm, tuber, rhizome, fruits are cultivated on a module.
In yet another preferred embodiment of the present application, after harvest, the fibrous core and the attached roots are separated from the capillary layer and the spacing layer.
In yet another preferred embodiment of the present application, after the fibrous core and the attached roots are separated from the capillary layer and the spacing layer, the core and spacing layers are rinsed and reused.
In yet another preferred embodiment of the present application, one of the disclosed methods for plant soilless seeding, germination and cultivation comprising steps of providing a module as defined above, in a first mat-like planar configuration, Seeding the module, allowing germination, rolling the substrate as defined above into a second cylindrical configuration, weighing the second cylindrical configuration, hanging the second cylindrical configuration vertically, allowing plant growth, weighing the second cylindrical for a second time and only after watered at a known and constant rate until there is a weight equilibrium, calculating the added bio mass by deducting the second cylindrical configuration weight according to first weighing from the second cylindrical configuration weight according to second weighing, adjusting plant growth conditions according to the calculated biomass, allowing plant growth, harvesting, opening said cylinder to a first matlike planar configuration, discarding of roots by removing the fibrous core and the attached roots, separating the fibrous core and capillary layers, rinsing the core and spacing layers, reusing the core and spacing layers to form a renewed first mat-like planar configuration substrate; and repeat all steps about 1+n times.
Examples
Example 1
The inventors of the current application disclose a module comprising a substrate. The substrate is characterized by three types of layers: spacing layer, capillary layer and a fibrous core layer. The arrangement of the layers is determined according to plant cultivation data and instruction bank, and is adjusted and manufactured to optimize the conditions of each type of plant for seeding, germination, plant growth (both for horizontal farming in a mat-like planar configuration and for vertical farming in a cylindrical configuration) and harvest.
To produce the substrate the different types of layers are mounted on top of each other in a predetermined arrangement and attached together, for example in a non-limiting fashion, a capillary layer is sandwiched between a spacing layer and a fibrous core. Each type of layers can repeat numerous times, for example in a non-limiting fashion, two capillary layers sandwiched between a spacing layer and a fibrous core layer, thus the width of the capillary layer double and so the water and nutrient retention and supply capabilities of the module enabling to support plants with high hydration requirements such as but not limited peas, lentils, fava beans, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collards, kale, kohlrabi, mustard, broccoli, turnips and watercress. Once the layers are piled in a predetermined arrangement, the layers are attached together to form a substrate in a mat-like planar configuration, ready to be seeded and/or transported, the attachment of the layers can be done Reference in now made to Fig.la and Fig.lb depicting a specific but not limiting arrangement (10) of the layers and the different type of layers, spacing layer (1), capillary layer (2) and fibrous layer (3).
Example 2
The inventors of the current application disclose a spacing layer with pores configured to harbor plant seeds. Different spacing layers may vary in pore size and density. The pores size and density are determined by a plant cultivation data and instruction bank and according to the plant to be grown in a specific module. Reference in now made to Fig.2 and Fig.3 each of the figures depicting a schematic representation of the substrate in a matlike configuration, Fig.2 with a large pore size and low density of pores suitable for a plant with large size seeds, stem and wide canopy such as but not limited coriander, and Fig.3 a small pore size and high density of pores suitable for a plant with small size seeds, stem and narrow canopy such as but not limited chives.
Example 3
The inventors of the current application disclose a module comprising a substrate characterized, inter alia, by at least one spacing layer. The spacing layer has pores in predetermined size and density as above mentioned. The spacing layer is configured to harbor seeds within the pores and allow germination and plant growth. Reference in now made to Fig.4 a cross section of the spacing layer depicting a few pores (a) with seeds (b) inside the pores and transverse fiber spacers (c). Further the spacing layer is configured to allow air circulation around the seeds and thus keep the seeds from decay, the interstice between the pores and the transverse fiber spacers (c) facilitate the circulation within the spacing layer. Seeding can be done automatically or manually and each pore may harbor more than one seed (see Fig.4).
Example 4 Reference in now made to Fig.5 a cross section of the substrate with a plant growing in it.
Fig.5 schematically represent the contribution of the different types of layers of the current invention substrate; (a) a spacing layer characterized by pores for housing a plant, and allowing air circulation to keep the stem from too much moisture and preventing stem decay, further the spacing layer provides above mentioned module the mechanical stability and strength to enable the module carrying the load of the growing plants and water retained within the module, (b) a capillary layer for water and nutrients supply and retention, upon irrigation of the module water and nutrients are absorbed and spread by the capillary layer and the fibrous core layer (c) and spread substantially evenly throughout the module due to the porosity and the capillary action of both the capillary and fibrous core layers which create capillary pressures ranging from about 100 to aboutlOOO Pascal, (c) a fibrous core layer for root growth and mechanical tropism, the roots are growing towards the fibrous core layer and attach to it upon contact, the attachment to the fibrous core keeps the roots substantially straight and prevents them from getting tangled and dense, thus air flow around the roots is secured and decay is prevented.
Example 5
The inventors of the current application disclose a cylindrical configuration of the module for growth and harvest. The module can be rolled from the mat-like planar configuration into a cylindrical configuration and subsequently be disposed vertically to enable vertical plant growth and vertical farming. Reference in now made to Fig.6 a side view of plants grown vertically on the module in its cylindrical configuration (60). The plant canopy (61) is free to grow toward a light source covering a larger circumference than the module circumference, the plants stem (62) are growing from the spacing layer (63) and outwards, the capillary layer (64), the fibrous layer (65) and the fibrous core (66) each contribute to the optimal growth of the plant.
Example 6
An optimal light exposure of the plants is a key element for plant growth. The inventors of the present application disclose a module when in the cylindrical configuration is rotatable around the longitudinal axis and/or transferable/relocatable allowing an optimal light exposure according to the plant growth instructions and light conditions. The rotation of the module around the longitudinal axis provides any plant growing in the module with an optimal exposure to a light source regardless of the location of the plant in the module. An arc of the module in the cylindrical configuration and all the plants growing on that arc can be on the module side directly exposed to a light source, or can be on the opposite side of the module away from the light source, or in any point between the two positions, enabling the control of light exposure of the plants. Furthermore, the transferability of each module enables the relocation of the module towards or away from a light source, thus enabling to control the light exposure of numerous modules by alternating the modules between positions close, far and middle distance to a light source. Reference in now made to Fig.7 a schematic presentation of a numerus modules and a light source (83). Each of the modules is rotatable around the longitudinal axis (81) to ensure an optimal exposure of each plant in the module regardless to its location on the module, further each of the modules is transferable (82) allowing an optimal light exposure management for numerus modules, by alternating the modules between different positions close, far and middle distance to a light source.
Example 7
The inventors of the present application disclose, pore density is calculated and determined according to an optimal light exposure of the plant, the inventors of the present application disclose a maximal light flux efficacy formula:
Figure imgf000028_0001
"x" is the module width when in a mat-like planar configuration and/or the circumference of the module in a cylindrical configuration, "a" is the distance of a plant's canopy form the spacing layer's surface; and "d" is the canopy average diameter. Reference in now made to Fig.8 depicting parameters "x, a, d" of a module in a mat-like planar configuration, and Fig.9 depicting parameters "x, a, d" of a module in a cylindrical configuration. A graphic presentation of the maximal light flux efficacy formula is depicted in Fig.10. Example 8
Most of the plants cultivated in systems based on aeroponics, hydroponics and aquaponics are leafy plants and herbs (e.g, lettuce, basil, bok choi, spinach). The inventors of the present application disclose that the module as defined above supports a wide range of vegetables and fruits derived from different plant parts such as but not limiting, plants bulbs, roots, root-like stem, stem, flowers, corm, tuber, rhizome, and fruits. Edible flowers are in vogue for at least the last decade, the costliest edible flower derived food is the spice saffron most can be cultivated on the module as defined above. Plant fruits which gastronomically defined as vegetables (e.g, cucumbers, squash, zucchini, tomatoes, cherry tomatoes) can be cultivated as well on the module as defined above. An exemplary yet not limiting list of root and flower derived vegetables and spices able to be grown on the module as defined above is provided in table 1 below.
Table 1 examples for root and flower derived vegetables and spices, however there are many plants have more than one edible part and can fit in to more than one category.
Figure imgf000029_0001
Figure imgf000030_0001
Figure imgf000031_0001
Example 9
In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a kit for soilless plant cultivation mainly for home/small scale usage, but not limited. The kit comprises at least one module in a mat-like planar configuration, at least one type of seeds for seeding in the module, at least one instruction manual for technical support for the module use and handling, and for plant cultivation. The kit is sent to a costumer via mail or by an international and/or national delivery service. Upon opening the kit and reading the instruction manual the module can be assembled seeded and positioned indoors (e.g., house, office, greenhouse, ecological bioreactor, both two latter may be located outdoors) or outdoors in a desired area (e.g., garden, terrace, balcony, roof). By following the cultivation instructions, any person can grow the type of plant in the specific kit from seed to harvest or, in case of horticulture from seed to flower/fully grown plant.
The invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiment illustrated and described above, but it can be modified and varied within the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

Claims
1. A module for soilless plant seeding, germination and cultivation comprising: a. a substrate characterized by: i. at least one spacing layer characterized by pores for housing at least one seed, or at least one seedling, or at least one plant, ii. at least one capillary layer for water and nutrients supply, iii. at least one fibrous layer for root growth and mechanical tropism, wherein, said substrate is disposable in a first mat-like planar configuration for seeding and germination and said substrate is disposable in a second cylindrical configuration for growth and harvest, said substrate in said second cylindrical configuration is further provided with at least one fibrous core substantially disposed along the central axis of said cylindrical configuration, said fibrous core comprises at least one liquid conducting core for water and nutrients supply, roots attachment and post-harvest separation of roots from the substrate.
2. The module according to claim 1, wherein said spacing layer, capillary layer, fibrous layer fibrous core and are layered pre-seeding in a preselected order and attached by means selected from a group consisting of: clamp, fastener, Velcro™, sticker, glue, clippers, cable tie, staples, buttons, click buttons, split pin and any combination thereof.
3. The substrate according to claim 1, wherein said spacing layer pores' size and the space between said pores is preselected with accordance to a plant cultivation data bank information, instruction and the particular plant in such way that in said second cylindrical configuration, each plant is allocated with a growth space dimensions configured to provide said plant with maximal light flux efficacy required by the particular plant.
4. The substrate according to claim3, wherein said pores' spacing is determined by: a. parameters: i. "x" said module width when in said mat-like planar configuration and/or the circumference of said second cylindrical configuration, ii. "a" is the distance of said plant's canopy form said spacing layer surface; and iii. "d" is the canopy average diameter, b. maximal light flux efficacy formula:
Figure imgf000033_0001
The substrate according to claim3, wherein said pores' density is determined by: a. parameters: i. "x" said module width when in said mat-like planar configuration and/or the circumference of said second cylindrical configuration, ii. "a" is the distance of said plant's canopy form said spacing layer surface; and iii. "d" is the canopy average diameter, b. maximal light flux efficacy formula:
Figure imgf000033_0002
The substrate according to claim 1, wherein upon rolling said substrate from said first mat-like planar configuration into said second cylindrical configuration two of said substrate opposite ends are fastened by means selected from a group consisting of: clamp, fastener, Velcro™, sticker, glue, clippers, cable tie, staples, buttons, click buttons, split pin and any combination thereof. The module of claim 1, wherein post-harvest said second cylindrical configuration is unrolled/opened back into said first mat-like planar configuration, and said attached spacing layer, capillary layer, fibrous core, and fibrous layer are separated, rinsed, dry and reused. The substrate according to claim 1, wherein said capillary layer is configured to retain and/or allow the flow of water and nutrients. The module according to claim 1, wherein said fibrous core is configured to a. retain and/or allow the flow of water and nutrients, b. allow root attachment; and c. allow post-harvest separation of roots from the substrate when in the first matlike planar configuration by detaching said core with the attached roots from the capillary layer. The substrate according to claim 1, wherein said spacing layer is elastically anisotropic and can be stretched in the width axis and cannot be stretched in the length axis. The module according to claim 1, where said second cylindrical configuration is disposed vertically for plant vertical growth and harvest. The module according to claim 10, wherein said second cylindrical configuration is rotatable around the longitudinal axis and/or transferable/relocatable allowing an optimal light exposure according to the plant growth instructions and light conditions. The module according to claim 10, wherein said second cylindrical configuration is attachable and/or detachable to an existing water irrigation system. The module according to claim 1, wherein the substrate is inoculated with Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria (PGPB). The module according to claim 1, wherein said substrate is air permeable in said first mat-like planar configuration and/or in said second cylindrical configuration facilitating root ventilation and oxidation. The module according to claim 1, wherein said first mat-like configuration is transportable. The module according to claim 1, weigh about 210 g for every 1400 cm2 in accordance with the spacing layer. The module according to claim 1, wherein said first mat-like planar configuration and said second cylindrical configuration is weighed before watering and after water from irrigation system have evaporated and the added biomass during plant growth is calculated for planning the subsequent plant treatment, or harvest timing. The substrate according to claim 1, wherein said spacing layer is a buffer zone configured to keep the plant's stem, leaves and fruits away/apart from the moist of said fibrous layer and said capillary layer. A method for plant soilless seeding, germination and cultivation comprising steps of: a. providing a module according to claim 1 and dependent claims in said first matlike planar configuration, b. Seeding said module, c. allowing germination, d. rolling said substrate into said second cylindrical configuration, e. hanging said second cylindrical configuration vertically, f. allowing plant growth, g. harvesting, h. opening said second cylindrical configuration to said first mat-like planar configuration, i. discarding of roots by removing said fibrous core and said attached roots j. separating said core and capillary layers, k. rinsing said core and spacing layers, l. reusing said core and spacing layers to form a renewed first mat-like planar configuration substrate; and m. repeat steps a-1 about 1+n times. ethod for plant soilless seeding, germination and cultivation comprising steps of: a. providing a module according to claim 1 and dependent claims in said first matlike planar configuration, b. Seeding said module, c. allowing germination, d. rolling said substrate into said second cylindrical configuration, e. weighing said second cylindrical configuration f. hanging said second cylindrical configuration vertically, g. allowing plant growth, h. weighing said second cylindrical i. calculating the added bio mass by deducting said second cylindrical configuration weight according to section e from said second cylindrical configuration weight according to section h, j. adjusting plant growth conditions according to the result of section I, k. allowing plant growth, l. harvesting, m. opening said second cylindrical configuration to said first mat-like planar configuration, n. discarding of roots by removing said fibrous core and said attached roots o. separating said core and capillary layers, p. rinsing said core and spacing layers, q. reusing said core and spacing layers to form a renewed first mat-like planar configuration substrate; and r. repeat steps a-q about I+n times. ethod for plant soilless seeding, germination and cultivation comprising steps: a. providing a module according to claim 1 and dependent claims in said first matlike planar configuration, b. inoculating said substrate with PGPB, c. seeding said module, d. allowing germination, e. rolling said substrate into said second cylindrical configuration, f. hanging said second cylindrical configuration vertically, g. allowing plant growth, h. harvesting, i. opening said cylinder to said first mat-like planar configuration, j. discarding of roots by removing said fibrous rope and said attached roots k. separating said core and capillary layers, l. rinsing said core and spacing layers, m. reusing said core and spacing layers to form a renewed first mat-like planar configuration substrate; and n. repeat steps a-m about 1+n times. ethod for plant soilless seeding, germination and cultivation comprising steps: a. providing a module according to claim 1 and dependent claims in said first matlike planar configuration, b. seeding said module, c. allowing germination, d. transporting said substrate in said first mat like planar configuration to a destination of interest, e. rolling said substrate into said second cylindrical configuration, f. hanging said second cylindrical configuration vertically, g. allowing plant growth, h. harvesting, i. opening said second cylindrical configuration to said first mat-like planar configuration, j. discarding of roots by removing said fibrous rope and said attached roots, k. separating said core and capillary layers, l. rinsing said core and spacing layers, m. reusing said core and spacing layers to form a renewed first mat-like planar configuration substrate; and n. repeat steps a-m about I +n times. ethod for plant soilless seeding, germination and cultivation comprising steps: a. providing a module according to claim 1 and dependent claims in said first mat- like planar configuration, b. inoculating said module with PGPB c. seeding said substrate, d. allowing germination, e. transporting said substrate in said first mat like planar configuration to a destination of interest, f. rolling said substrate into said second cylindrical configuration, g. hanging said second cylindrical configuration vertically, h. allowing plant growth, i. harvesting, j. opening said second cylindrical configuration to said first mat-like planar configuration, k. discarding of roots by removing said fibrous rope and said attached roots l. separating said core and capillary layers, m. rinsing said core and spacing layers, n. reusing said core and spacing layers to form a renewed first mat-like planar configuration substrate; and o. repeat steps a-n about 1+n times. A kit for soilless plant cultivation comprising: a. at least one module in a mat-like planar configuration according to claim 1 and dependent claims, b. at least one type of seeds for seeding in said substrate, c. at least one instruction manual for technical support for the module use and handling, and for plant cultivation. The kit of claim 25 is delivered by means selected from a group consisting of: mail, air mail, naval mail, delivery service, national and international couriers and any combination thereof.
PCT/IL2022/050874 2021-08-10 2022-08-10 A module for soilless plant seeding, germination and cultivation, and method thereof WO2023017521A1 (en)

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