OPEN-TOP GUTTER

Abstract

An open-top gutter for cultivation of plants. In an example, the open-top gutter comprises at least one water space formed by a double edge and being closed at the top, or almost closed. The water space is open at the bottom of the gutter. In an example, the open-top gutter includes at least one separate water space formed by a partially double bottom and connected to the bottom of the gutter via a bottom gap. In an example, the open-top gutter includes a space limited by two side walls and a bottom wall and divided into trough-like compartments by at least one dividing wall. The dividing wall includes at least one water space formed by a double wall, open at the bottom of the gutter.

Claims

1. An open-top gutter for cultivating plants, comprising at least one water space formed by a double edge and being closed at the top or almost closed, wherein the water space is open at the bottom of the gutter.

2. An open-top gutter for cultivating plants, wherein the open-top gutter comprises at least one separate water space formed by a partially double bottom and connected to the bottom of the gutter via a bottom gap.

3. An open-top gutter for cultivating plants, comprising a space delimited by two side walls and a bottom wall and divided into trough-like compartments by at least one dividing wall, wherein the dividing wall comprises at least one water space formed by a double wall and being open at the bottom of the gutter.

4. The open-top gutter according to claim 1, wherein the water space is open 0.1 to 2 mm from the bottom of the open-top gutter.

5. The open-top gutter according to claim 1, wherein the gutter is made of metal or composite materials by bending.

6. The open-top gutter according to claim 1, wherein the gutter is made of plastic, aluminium or other mixtures by extruding.

7. The open-top gutter according to claim 1, wherein the gutter further comprises bottom ribs.

8. The open-top gutter according to claim 1, wherein the gutter is suitable for the cultivation of plants.

9. The open-top gutter according to claim 1, wherein the double edge is used for conveying water, and an inner edge is open towards the bottom of the open-top gutter, forming a bottom gap for conveying water between the water space and a substrate for the plants.

10. The open-top gutter according to claim 1, wherein the gutter includes a substrate used for the plants which comprises at least one component selected from the group consisting of horticultural peat, mineral wool, glass wool, sphagnum, wood fibre, coconut fibre, hemp fibre, and a mixture thereof.

11. The open-top gutter according to claim 1, further comprising a nutrient solution used for irrigation of the plants, which is at least partly derived from nutrient salts of fertilizers, fish breeding waters, bioreactors, or combinations of these.

12. The open-top gutter according to claim 1, wherein the double edge is provided at its both edges or only one edge.

13. The open-top gutter according to claim 1, wherein its bottom has a curved shape for the purpose of conveying water from the water space to a substrate for the plants.

14. The open-top gutter according to claim 1, wherein the double edge is configured to constitute a tunnel-shaped water passage extending in parallel with the substrate, all the way from the bottom to the top, for the free flow of water.

15. The open-top gutter according to claim 1, wherein the width of the bottom gap is 2 to 5 mm.

16. The open-top gutter according to claim 1, wherein the water space is arranged to allow water to flow in the water space and to irrigate a substrate used for the plants via the bottom gap over the whole length of the open-top gutter when the open-top gutter is filled with substrate.

17. The open-top gutter according to claim 2, wherein the double bottom is used for conveying water, and it comprises a connection formed by the bottom gap for conveying water between the water space and the other parts of the gutter.

18. The open-top gutter according to claim 2, further comprising a nutrient solution used for irrigation therein, which is derived at least partly from nutrient salts of fertilizers, fish breeding waters, bioreactors, potato fruit water, or combinations of these.

19. The open-top gutter according to claim 2, wherein the double bottom is provided on its both sides or one side only.

20. The open-top gutter according to claim 2, wherein the double bottom is configured to constitute a tunnel-shaped water space in parallel with a substrate, for the flow of water.

21. The open-top gutter according to claim 2, wherein the water space is configured in such a way that the water is in contact with the bottom gap and further with a substrate over the whole length of the open-top gutter when the open-top gutter is filled with the substrate.

22. The open-top gutter according to claim 3, wherein the double wall is configured to constitute a tunnel-shaped water shape extending in parallel with a substrate, for the flow of water.

23. The open-top gutter according to claim 3, wherein the double wall is used for conducting water and it comprises a connection formed by the bottom gap for conveying water between the water space and other parts of the gutter.

24. The open-top gutter according to claim 3, wherein a double wall is provided on both sides or only one side of its dividing wall.

25. (canceled)

26. A method in cultivation of plants, comprising cultivating plants in an open-top gutter according to claim 1.

Description

LIST OF FIGURES

[0043] FIG. 1 shows an example of a gutter according to the solution.

[0044] FIG. 2 shows other examples of a gutter according to the solution.

[0045] FIG. 3 shows an alternative example of a gutter according to the solution.

[0046] FIG. 4 shows another alternative example of a gutter according to the solution.

[0047] FIG. 5 shows other alternative examples of a gutter according to the solution.

[0048] FIG. 6 shows an alternative additional example of a gutter according to the solution.

[0049] FIG. 7 shows the structure of an example of a gutter according to the solution.

[0050] FIG. 8 shows the structure of an alternative example of a gutter according to the solution.

[0051] FIG. 9 shows a further developed example of a gutter according to the solution.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0052] Next, some water-conducting open-top gutters will be discussed with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0053] FIG. 1 shows a typical shape of a water-conducting open-top gutter, the gutter having a length selected according to the need, advantageously 1 to 20 m.

[0054] FIG. 2 shows advantageous cross-sections and dimensions of a water-conducting open-top gutter, that is, alternatives a to e.

[0055] A water-conducting section is formed by a double edge 1, whose inner edge is slightly open towards the bottom, leaving a bottom gap 3 for conveying water between the water space 2 and the substrate.

[0056] The double edge 1 may be provided on both sides or on one side only. In long gutters, e.g. longer than 6 m, as well as in wide gutters, e.g. wider than 60 mm, it is advantageous to provide both sides with a double edge 1, to secure irrigation as well as to support the structure.

[0057] The gutter may also comprise a lower rib 4 and other structural details, reinforcements, etc., for example to facilitate moving the gutter and to support its structure. In an example, the gutter comprises lower ribs 4 or other additional elements related to the movement, strength or functionality of the gutter.

[0058] Alternative e of FIG. 2 shows an advantageous design and dimensioning which enables sowing seeds in two rows in the same gutter, and the dimensioning is also directly suitable for most existing thinning systems. The curved shape of the bottom further facilitates the conducting of water from the water space to the substrate.

[0059] In some examples, the gutter is provided with a double edge either on both sides or on one side only. After the gutter has been filled with substrate, water will flow in the water space 2 enclosed by the double edge 1, quickly irrigating the substrate over the whole length of the gutter via the bottom gap 3, and not entraining substrate in the flow.

[0060] Lettuce and iceberg lettuce grow well in a water-conducting open-top gutter, providing a good yield when the growing density has been adjusted according to the need.

[0061] When starting the cultivation, a water-conducting open-top gutter (see FIG. 1) is filled with e.g. horticultural peat and compacted gently, and seeds are sown at a desired density. For this initial step of filling up and sowing, automatic filling and sowing machines are commonly available, which—after minor modifica-tions—are suitable for use with a water-conducting open-top gutter. Examples of filling and sowing device brands include: V-Mosa, Hortimat, Mayer, Urbinati, Visser, Javo, DaRos, and Punnet.

[0062] After the sowing, the gutter is transferred to the cultivation site and irrigated by normal gutter irrigation nozzles (e.g. Netafim Maxi CNL, 12 l/h) to one end of the gutter. Preferably, this supply end is provided with a plug for closing the end of the gutter. From the supply end, water is partly absorbed into the substrate and flows, primarily in the water space 2 enclosed by the double edge 1, further down the gutter, simultaneously irrigating the substrate over its whole length. After initial irrigation for a period of, for example, 10 minutes, the gutter is irrigated again as needed. Water will run off from the other end of the gutter, whereby a spout is advantageously provided, for example by bending the bottom downwards. At the beginning of the cultivation, the gutters may be placed adjacent to each other, and the distance between the gutters is increased according to the growth. The water-conducting open-top gutter may be more efficient than a conventional closed gutter, particularly in the production of small plants.

[0063] Compared with gutters of prior art, the difference is, for example, that the double edge 1 constitutes a tunnel-shaped water passage extending in parallel with the substrate, all the way from the bottom to the top, for the free flow of water. From this space, the water has a direct connection to the substrate via the bottom gap 3. If the substrate has a poor water absorption capacity, the water level will rise within the double edge 1, whereby the water will be forced by gravity to penetrate into the substrate and further within reach of the roots.

[0064] In the direction of the gutter, the water flows primarily in the tunnel-like water space 2 enclosed by the edge but not significantly in the substrate, whereby no substrate will be entrained in the circulating water. The water space 2 is connected to the substrate via a narrow gap. Both the width of the water space 2 and the width of the bottom gap 3 are essential factors for the functionality of the gutter. The width of the water space 2 is advantageously 5 to 10 mm, and the dimension of the gap is advantageously 1 to 2 mm, whereby no substrate will enter the water space 2, the root system will remain in the substrate, and only water will be passed through the gap.

[0065] The same structure of the double edge 1 can be reproduced in gutters of different sizes. The width of the gutter can be selected according to the size of the plant desired. For the smallest plants, so-called microgreens, a gutter as narrow as 30 mm will be sufficient, providing a maximum density of seedlings in the initial cultivation. The growing density is a significant factor on the prof-itability of the cultivation, particularly if the cultivation takes place partly or entirely under artificial light. In the Nordic countries, the most commonly used gutter model has a width of about 75 mm, and e.g. in Central Europe, a gutter with a special width of 100 to 140 mm is commonly used.

[0066] The productivity of an open-top gutter with a standard width of 75 mm can be improved by sowing several adjacent rows in the gutter, if the gutter has a double edge structure that conveys water through the gutter and enables the absorption of water into the substrate over the whole length of the gutter almost simultaneously. Without the double edge, the passage of water merely through the substrate over the whole length of the gutter is too slow.

[0067] We shall now discuss some alternative water-conducting open-top gutters with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, 5, and 6.

[0068] FIGS. 3 and 4 show simple designs of a water-conducting open-top gutter, the gutter having a length selected according to the need, advantageously 1 to 20 m.

[0069] FIG. 5 shows advantageous cross-sections of a water-conducting open-top gutter, namely alternatives a to h.

[0070] The water-conducting section, i.e. the water space 2, is formed by a double structure which is either a double edge 1 or a partially double bottom.

[0071] The double structure may be provided either on one side or on both sides, as shown e.g. in the alternatives f to h of FIG. 5. The double structure is provided with a connection, namely a bottom gap 3, for conducting water between the water space 2 and the other parts of the gutter.

[0072] In long gutters, e.g. longer than 6 m, as well as in wide gutters, e.g. wider than 60 mm, it is advantageous to provide both sides with a double edge 1, to secure irrigation as well as to support the structure. The gutter may also comprise a lower rib 4 and other structural details, reinforcements, etc., for example, to facilitate moving the gutter and to support its structure. In an example, the gutter comprises lower ribs 4 or other additional elements related to the movement, strength or functionality of the gutter.

[0073] Having a width of about 75 mm, the shapes of the cross-section of FIG. 5 are suitable as such for most existing thinning systems. In the alternatives f to h of FIG. 5, the curved shape of the bottom further facilitates the conveying of water from the water space 2 to the substrate.

[0074] The alternatives f to h of FIG. 5 show examples of gutters having a double edge 1 on both sides. After the gutter has been filled with substrate, water will flow in the water space 2 enclosed by the double edge 1, quickly irrigating the substrate over the whole length of the gutter via the bottom gap 3, and not entraining substrate in the flow.

[0075] Using these gutters, the cultivation is started, the gutter is transferred after the sowing, and the irrigation, including the initial irrigation, is carried out as described already above with reference to FIG. 1.

[0076] The difference to gutters of prior art is, among other things, the feature that the double structure constitutes a tunnel-shaped water space 2 for the flow of water in parallel with the substrate. From this space, the water has a direct connection to the substrate via the bottom gap 3. The water is absorbed into the substrate and further brought within reach of the root system. The water flows in the direction of the gutter primarily in the water space 2, but not significantly in the substrate, whereby no substrate is entrained in the circulating water. Both the size of the water space 2 and the width of the bottom gap 3 are of essential significance in the functionality of the gutter. Preferably, the water space 2 is so small that the water is in contact with the bottom gap 3 and further with the substrate over the whole length of the gutter. For example, in gutters for growing lettuce, the width of the water space 2 is advantageously 5 to 10 mm. The width of the gap can be selected according to the need. For the sake of cleanability, the gap is advantageously 2 to 5 mm in cultivation gutters. It is also possible that the gap is so small that the roots will not grow through it, even less than 0.1 mm, whereby the root system will remain in the substrate and only water will pass through the gap. This may be needed particularly in long-term cultivation.

[0077] The same double structure may be reproduced in gutters of different sizes. The width of the gutter can be selected according to the size of the plant desired. For the smallest plants, so-called microgreens, a gutter as narrow as 30 mm will be sufficient, providing a maximum density of seedlings in the initial cultivation. In the cultivation of tomato and cucumber, the width of the gutter is approximately 200 mm. The growing density is a significant factor on the prof-itability of the cultivation, particularly if the cultivation takes place partly or entirely under artificial light. In this case, the initial seedling density has to be high, and the seedling density is decreased by spacing out the gutters according to the growth. In the Nordic countries, the most common gutter type used for growing lettuce is a perforated gutter having a width of about 75 mm.

[0078] In the example of FIG. 6, the open-top gutter is filled with substrate 5 or with a substrate sheet where the irrigation 6 of plants, such as cucumber and tomato, takes place directly into the water space 2 in which the nutrient solution is conveyed over the length needed. While irrigation in conventional cultivation is plant-specific, such as dribbling irrigation, irrigation in a water-conducting open-top gutter can only be supplied to one end of the gutter, or, if necessary, directly to the water space 2 at desired intervals. In such an application, the substrate should be highly water absorbent, such as a mixture of moss and horticultural peat.

[0079] Next, the structure of some alternative water-conducting open-top gutters will be discussed with reference to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 which show a cross-section of an open-top gutter.

[0080] The description of FIG. 7 below relates particularly to an open-top gutter with a double structure and a double edge, as discussed above in this description, and its operation.

[0081] As shown in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, the open-top gutter comprises a bottom wall 10 and two side walls 12 connected to it and transverse to the bottom wall 10, enclosing a trough-like space for the substrate in the open-top gutter. The bottom of said space is the bottom wall 10, onto which the substrate is placed. Each side wall 12 is fastened at its lower end to the bottom wall 10, for example to its edge. The bottom wall 10 and the side walls 12 may be seamlessly joined to each other and form an integral structure. During use, the bottom wall 10 is e.g. substantially horizontal and the side walls 12 are substantially vertical or slightly inclined. At least one rib 4 may be fastened to the bottom wall 10 and/or form an extension to the lower end of the side wall 12.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 7, the double edge 1 is formed in the open-top gutter by providing a partition wall 14 as an extension to the side wall 12, extending towards the bottom wall 10. In another example, the partition wall 14 extends towards the other side wall 12. An end of the partition wall 14, e.g. the outermost end, is spaced from the other side wall 12. An end of the partition wall 14, e.g. the lower end, is spaced from the bottom wall 10 so that a bottom gap 3 is formed between the end of the partition wall 14 and the bottom wall 10, for example seen in the vertical direction during the use. A water space 2 is formed between the partition wall 14 and the side wall 12, for example seen in the horizontal direction during the use. The bottom wall 10 acts as the bottom for the water space 2 and as the bottom at the bottom gap 3.

[0083] The side wall 12 and the partition wall 14 may be seamlessly joined to each other and form and an integral structure. During the use of the open-top gutter, the partition wall 14 is, for example, substantially vertical or slightly inclined. For example, the bottom wall 10 extends straight and uniform from the water space 2 to the bottom gap 3 and further.

[0084] In an example, the vertical height of the water space 2 with respect to the bottom wall 10 is at least three fifths or at least two thirds of the height of the side wall 12.

[0085] The partition wall 14 is fastened to the side wall 12, e.g. its top or close to it, and the partition wall 14 may constitute a branch to the side wall 12. Alternatively, the partition wall 14 may be connected to the top of the side wall 12 at a point whose distance from the bottom wall 10 is greater than its distance from the top of the side wall 12, or the vertical distance from the bottom wall 10 is at least three fifths or at least two thirds of the height of the side wall 12.

[0086] The partition wall 14 may be provided, e.g. at its end on the side of the side wall 12 and/or at its lower end, with a section extending in a direction deviating from the major part of the partition wall 14. For example, said section at the lower end of the partition wall 14, at the bottom gap 3, may be inclined with respect to the bottom wall 10, or parallel with it.

[0087] In combination, the above-mentioned side wall 12 and partition wall 14 constitute said double structure and double edge.

[0088] The description of FIG. 8 below relates particularly to an open-top gutter with a double structure and a partially double bottom, as discussed above in this description, and to its operation.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 8, a partially double bottom is formed in an open-top gutter by providing an intermediate bottom 16 as an extension of the side wall 12 towards the other side wall 12. In an example, the intermediate bottom 16 extends towards the bottom wall 10. An end of the intermediate bottom 16, e.g. its outer end, is spaced from the other side wall 12 and covers the bottom wall 10 in part only. The end of the intermediate bottom 16 is spaced from the bottom wall 10 so that a bottom gap 3 is formed between the end of the intermediate bottom 16 and the bottom wall 10, for example when seen in the vertical direction during the use. A water space 2 is formed between the intermediate bottom 16 and the bottom wall 10, seen for example in the vertical direction during the use. The bottom wall 10 acts as the bottom for the water space 2 and as the bottom at the bottom gap 3.

[0090] The side wall 12 and the intermediate bottom 16 may be seamlessly joined to each other and constitute an integral structure. During the use of the open-top gutter, the intermediate bottom 16 is, for example, substantially horizontal or slightly inclined.

[0091] For example, the bottom wall 10 extends straight and uniform from the water space 2 to the bottom gap 3 and further.

[0092] In an example, the vertical height of the water space 2 with respect to the bottom wall 10 is not greater than two fifths or not greater than one third of the height of the side wall 12.

[0093] The intermediate bottom 16 may be connected to the bottom wall 10 or to the side wall 12, whereby the intermediate bottom 16 may constitute e.g. a branch to the bottom wall 10 or the side wall 12. Alternatively, the intermediate bottom 16 may be connected to the side wall 12 at a point whose distance from the bottom wall 10 is smaller than its distance from the top of the side wall 12, or the vertical distance from the bottom wall 10 is not greater than two fifths or not greater than one third of the height of the side wall 12.

[0094] The intermediate bottom 16 may be provided, e.g. at its end on the side of the side wall 12 or at its outermost end, with a section extending in a direction different from the main part of the intermediate bottom 16. For example, said section at the end on the side of the side wall 12 may be inclined with respect to the side wall 12, or parallel with it. Said section may extend against the side wall 12.

[0095] Said bottom wall 10 and intermediate bottom 16 together constitute said double structure and partially double bottom.

[0096] Anything that relates to the above described open-top gutter equipped with a double structure, a double edge, and/or a partially double bottom, and its operation, can be connected to the open-top gutter relating to FIG. 9 and discussed in the description below.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 9, the above described open-top gutter with a bottom wall 10 and side walls 12 is also provided with at least one dividing wall 18 connected to the bottom wall 10 and transverse to the bottom wall 10, dividing the trough-like space of the open-top gutter into adjacent trough-like compartments, e.g. at least two adjacent compartments. The dividing wall 18 is fastened at its bottom end to the bottom wall 10, for example its central section. The bottom wall 10 and the dividing wall 18 may be seamlessly joined to each other and constitute an integral structure. During the use, the dividing wall 18 is, for example, substantially vertical.

[0098] A water space 2 is formed in the open-top gutter by providing a partition wall 20 as an extension to the dividing wall 18, extending towards either the bottom wall 10 or the side wall 12. The end of the partition wall 20, e.g. its outer end, is spaced from the side wall 12 and covers the bottom wall 10 in part only. The end of the partition wall 20, e.g. its outer end, is spaced from the bottom wall 10 so that a bottom gap 3 is formed between the end of the partition wall 20 and the bottom wall 10, seen e.g. in the vertical direction during the use. The water space 2 is formed between the partition wall 20 and the dividing wall 18, seen e.g. in the horizontal direction during the use. In addition, or alternatively, the water space 2 is formed between the partition wall 20 and the bottom wall 10, seen e.g. in the vertical direction during the use. The bottom wall 10 acts as the bottom for the water space 2 and as the bottom at the bottom gap 3.

[0099] The dividing wall 18 and the partition wall 20 may be seamlessly joined to each other and constitute an integral structure. During the use of the open-top gutter, the partition wall 20 is, for example, substantially vertical, substantially horizontal, or slightly inclined.

[0100] For example, the bottom wall 10 extends straight and uniform from the water space 2 to the bottom gap 3 and further.

[0101] The partition wall 20 is connected to the dividing wall 18, e.g. its top or a loca-tion close to it, and/or in such a way that the partition wall 20 constitutes a branch to the dividing wall 18.

[0102] The partition wall 20 may be provided, e.g. at its end on the side of the dividing wall 18 or at the end on the side of the bottom gap 3, e.g. the outer end, with a section extending in a direction different from the main part of the partition wall 20. For example, said section at the end of the partition wall 20 or at the bottom gap 3 may be inclined or parallel to the bottom wall 10 or the dividing wall 18.

[0103] A water space 2 of the above described type may be provided on both sides of the dividing wall 18, with respective bottom gaps 3 and partition walls 20.

[0104] The height of the dividing wall 18 may correspond to the height of one or more side walls 12, or it may be lower than them. In an example, the vertical height of the dividing wall 18 is not greater than one half, not greater than two fifths, or not greater than one third of the height of the side wall 12.

[0105] The above-mentioned partition wall 20, together with the bottom wall 10, may constitute said double structure and partially double bottom, and/or said partition wall 20 together with the dividing wall 18 may constitute said double structure and partially double bottom. In combination, the partition wall 20 and the dividing wall 18 constitute a double wall forming the water space 2.

[0106] For example, the double wall is adapted to constitute the tunnel-shaped water space 2 for the flow of water next to the substrate. For example, the double wall is used for conveying water, and it comprises a connection formed by the bottom gap 3 for conveying water between the water space 2 and the other parts of the gutter. For example, the double wall is provided on both sides or only one side of the dividing wall 18.

[0107] The above described examples do not restrict the solution presented. The solution in question is presented in the appended claims.