Apparatus and method for growing one or more plants

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for growing one or more plants, wherein the apparatus includes at least one first and one second chamber which are separated from each other by a first dividing wall, wherein the inner spaces of the first and the second chamber are connected by one or more connecting openings in the first dividing wall, and wherein the second chamber includes one or more exit openings which are arranged on a second dividing wall.

Claims

1. An apparatus for growing plants comprising: a root chamber and a crop chamber, the crop chamber being located above the root chamber; a first dividing wall which forms a lower boundary of the crop chamber and separates the root chamber from the crop chamber; a second dividing wall which forms an upper boundary of the crop chamber and which is disposed above the first dividing wall; and lateral boundary surfaces of the crop chamber which connect the first dividing wall and the second dividing wall, wherein the crop chamber is defined by the second dividing wall as a covering surface, by the first dividing wall as a bottom, by a left lateral boundary surface and a right lateral boundary surface; wherein the root chamber defines an interior space dimensioned and configured to accommodate roots of a number of plants; the crop chamber defining an interior space dimensioned and configured to accommodate crops of the plants; the interior spaces of the root chamber and the crop chamber are connected by connecting openings in the first dividing wall; the second dividing wall including exit openings which are configured to receive stems of the plants and allow leaf canopies of the plants to reside above the crop chamber; at least one of the boundary surfaces of the crop chamber is pivotable or removable; the second dividing wall is movable relative to the first dividing wall in a vertical direction such that the volume of the crop chamber is variable; the lateral boundary surfaces are latched with the dividing walls via rail-like fixtures at lateral edges of the first dividing wall and the second dividing wall; the root chamber including a left wall, an oppositely disposed right wall, and a sack which attaches to the left wall and the right wall, wherein the left wall and the right wall extend downwardly from the first dividing wall, the left wall incorporating a rail-like guide for receiving a first portion of the sack, and the right wall incorporating a rail-like guide for receiving a second portion of the sack.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the root chamber defines a volume and the crop chamber defines a volume and the volume of the root chamber is variable, the volume of the crop chamber is variable, or the volume of the root chamber and the volume of the crop chamber are both variable.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the volume of the root chamber is variable by varying the position of the first dividing wall.

4. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the volume of the crop chamber is variable by varying the position of the first dividing wall relative to the position of the second dividing wall or varying the position of the second dividing wall relative to the position of the first dividing wall.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one lateral boundary surface of the crop chamber, which connects the first dividing wall and the second dividing wall with each other, is flexible.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an equal number of connecting openings and exit openings are present.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein all boundary surfaces of the root chamber are substantially rigid.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the root chamber includes at least one inlet, at least one outlet, or at least one inlet and at least one outlet.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the root chamber contains a substrate for plant growth.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein a fluid medium is present in the root chamber.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is formed as modular unit.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the crop chamber extends in a region on one side or on both sides of the root chamber.

13. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the crop chamber has two lateral boundary surfaces.

14. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one pair of connecting openings and exit openings is in alignment.

15. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sack is watertight.

16. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rail-like guides are dimensioned and configured to allow the sack to be shiftable or removable.

17. A method for growing one or more plants in an apparatus according to claim 1, comprising providing the apparatus of claim 1 and implementing a stepwise or stepless increase of the volume of the crop chamber.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the increase of the volume of the crop chamber is effected by increasing the distance between the first and the second dividing wall.

19. A method for harvesting the crops of one or more plants in an apparatus according to claim 1, comprising providing the apparatus of claim 1, causing at least partial swiveling, shifting or removing of at least one boundary surface of the crop chamber, and removing crops from the crop chamber.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein two opposed side walls are at least partly swiveled and/or shifted and/or removed and a shield or a shovel is driven through the crop chamber from one side and the crops are pressed out on the other side.

Description

(1) In the Figures:

(2) FIGS. 1a to 1e: show various views of a first embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention,

(3) FIG. 2: shows a perspective section through a further embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention,

(4) FIGS. 3a to 3d: show various views of a further embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention,

(5) FIGS. 4a to 4d: show various views of a further embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention,

(6) FIGS. 5a to 5d: show various views of a further embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention,

(7) FIG. 6: shows a perspective section through the further embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention as shown in FIGS. 5a to 5d,

(8) FIGS. 7a and 7b: show a possible arrangement of a plurality of apparatuses according to the invention,

(9) FIG. 8: shows a further possible arrangement of a plurality of apparatuses according to the invention,

(10) FIG. 9: shows different views of a further embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention,

(11) FIG. 10: shows different views of a further embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention with a second chamber which extends above and on both sides of the first chamber, and

(12) FIG. 11: shows various views of a further embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention, in which the first chamber is designed smaller than in the embodiment as shown in FIG. 10.

(13) FIG. 1a shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of an apparatus 1 according to the invention. FIG. 1b shows the same embodiment seen from the side. FIG. 1c shows the same embodiment from the front. FIG. 1d shows the same embodiment from above. FIG. 1e shows a cross-section through the same embodiment at the sectional plane designated with the letter D in FIG. 1d.

(14) The apparatus as shown in FIG. 1 includes a first chamber 10 and a second chamber 20.

(15) Between the first chamber 10 and the second chamber 20 a first dividing wall 15 is located. Above the second chamber 20 a second dividing wall 25 is located.

(16) The first chamber is defined by the first dividing wall as covering surface, by the left lateral boundary surface 11, the right lateral boundary surface 12, the front boundary surface 13, the rear boundary surface 14 and by the bottom surface 10a. The first chamber is fully defined by stable walls. The same can be fabricated for example from metal or a rigid plastic material.

(17) The second chamber is defined by the second dividing wall as covering surface, by the first dividing wall as bottom, by the left lateral boundary surface 21, the right lateral boundary surface 22, the front boundary surface 23 and the rear boundary surface 24.

(18) Inside the first dividing wall, connecting openings 16 are located, which connect the inner spaces of the first chamber 10 and the second chamber 20 with each other. Inside the second dividing wall 25, exit openings 26 are located, which connect the second chamber with the surroundings above the apparatus.

(19) Both the first chamber and the second chamber are designed flat. The first dividing wall 15 and the second dividing wall 25 are arranged parallel to each other.

(20) The apparatus includes a plurality of connecting openings 16 and exit openings 26, wherein the total number of connecting openings and exit openings corresponds to each other. To each connecting opening 16 an exit opening 26 is associated, which are aligned with each other.

(21) On the connecting openings 16, means 17 for fixing a seed or seedling are mounted. On the exit openings 26, means 27 for guiding the stem axis are mounted.

(22) The apparatus includes a feed line 41 and a discharge line 42. Through the feed line, water or a nutrient solution can be introduced into the first chamber 10. Used water or used nutrient solution leave the first chamber 10 through the discharge line 42. The first chamber 10 preferably is filled with an inorganic substrate, for example with grainy, granulated expanded clay. The apparatus in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is suitable in particular for cultivating the plants as hydroculture.

(23) In the Figure a multitude of plants 5 are shown. The roots 6 of these plants are located inside the first chamber 10, a portion of the stem axis along with the crops 7 is located in the second chamber 20, and the leaf canopy is located above the apparatus. The stem axis, which extends from the roots 6 over the crops 7 to the leaf canopy 8, passes through a connecting opening 16 and an exit opening 26, wherein the respective openings are aligned with each other.

(24) During cultivation, a germinable plant part is mounted on a fixing means 17 in the region of a connecting opening 16. In this phase, the second dividing wall 25 is located very close to the first dividing wall 15, so that the funnel-shaped means for guiding the stem axis 27 virtually rest against the connecting openings 16. The sprouting shoot penetrates through a connecting opening 16 and at the same time also through an exit opening 26. In the first chamber 10, the developing roots 6 are supplied with the necessary nutrients.

(25) When the seedling 5 has reached a certain size and the leaf crown 8 has a sufficient protrusion beyond the second dividing wall 25, this second dividing wall is lifted and thus the volume of the second chamber and the distance between the first dividing wall 15 and the second dividing wall 25 is increased. This can also be accomplished by the force of the plant.

(26) In the second chamber 20, a portion is obtained along the stem axis, which is separated both from the roots and from the leaf crown. At this portion, the crops will be formed later on. The climate and the air humidity inside the second chamber are influenced by the sprinkler system 45, in order to ensure an optimum growth of the crops.

(27) The apparatus furthermore includes a rack 50, which has four legs 51. The apparatus is formed as a table-shaped, modular cultivation unit, wherein the chambers and dividing plates form the tabletop.

(28) FIG. 2 shows a perspective section through a further embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention,

(29) The embodiment is similar to the embodiment described in connection with FIG. 1, and in this connection reference is made to the description given there.

(30) In FIG. 2, the shape of the holding means 17 and the guiding means 27, which are attached to the connecting openings 16 and to the exit openings 26, can be seen particularly clearly. The holding means 17 has a claw-shaped design and protrudes into the first chamber 10. Due to the claw-shaped design, it is suitable for example for holding a sprouting potato. The guiding means has a funnel-shaped design and protrudes into the second chamber 20. The funnel tapers in direction of the exit opening 26.

(31) Furthermore, it can clearly and distinctly be seen in FIG. 2 that the left lateral boundary surface 21 and the right lateral boundary surface 22 of the second chamber 20 are formed flexible, so that the same can be expanded when increasing the volume of the chamber 20 by increasing the distance between the first dividing plate 15 and the second dividing plate 25, and furthermore cover the entire gap between first dividing plate 15 and second dividing plate 25.

(32) The lateral boundary surfaces 22 and 23 furthermore are latched with the dividing walls via rail-like fixtures 90 at the lateral edges of the first dividing wall 15 and the second dividing wall 25, so that the same can be shifted in longitudinal direction of the apparatus 1. Thus, the lateral boundary of the second chamber can at least partly be removed, if necessary.

(33) During cultivation, a germinable plant part is mounted on a fixing means 17 in the region of a connecting opening 16. In this phase, the second dividing wall 25 is located very close to the first dividing wall 15, so that the funnel-shaped means for guiding the stem axis 27 virtually rest against the connecting openings 16. The sprouting shoot penetrates through a connecting opening 16 and at the same time also through an exit opening 26. This is promoted by the funnel-like design of the guiding means 27. In the first chamber 10, the developing roots 6 are supplied with the necessary nutrients.

(34) When the seedling 5 has reached a certain size and the leaf crown 8 has a sufficient protrusion beyond the second dividing wall 25, this second dividing wall is lifted and thus the volume of the second chamber and the distance between the first dividing wall 15 and the second dividing wall 25 is increased. This can also be accomplished by the force of the plant.

(35) In the second chamber 20, a portion is obtained along the stem axis, which is separated both from the roots and from the leaf crown. At this portion, the crops will be formed later on. The climate and the air humidity inside the second chamber are influenced by the sprinkler system 45, in order to ensure an optimum growth of the crops.

(36) FIG. 3a shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of an apparatus 1 according to the invention. FIG. 3b shows the same embodiment seen from the side. FIG. 3c shows the same embodiment from the front. FIG. 3d shows the same embodiment from above.

(37) The embodiment is similar to the embodiment described in connection with FIG. 1, and in this connection reference is made to the description given there.

(38) FIG. 3c particularly clearly shows that the left lateral boundary surface 21 and the right lateral boundary surface 22 of the second chamber 20 are formed flexible. Due to a gap between the first dividing plate 15 and the second dividing plate 25 and the resulting increase in volume of the second chamber 20, the same have been expanded already. The plants 5 shown in FIG. 3 already are more grown-up than the plants shown in FIG. 1.

(39) In contrast to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 includes a third chamber 30 which is covered by a transparent hood 31. The exit openings 26 thus connect the second chamber 20 with the third chamber 30. The leaf crown 8 of the plants 5 is located inside the third chamber 30.

(40) The apparatus according to the invention in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 3 represents a miniature greenhouse, wherein all parts of the plant 5 are located in a possibly air-conditioned zone separated from the surroundings.

(41) Through the transparent hood 31 the crown 8 of the plants is irradiated with sunlight from outside.

(42) Beside the feet 51, the rack 50 of the apparatus according to the embodiment of FIG. 3 furthermore comprises skids 52 with which the apparatus can easily be shifted, if necessary, on a corresponding guiding system.

(43) FIG. 4 again shows the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3 with the lid cap 31 removed.

(44) FIG. 4a shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of an apparatus 1 according to the invention. FIG. 4b shows the same embodiment seen from the side. FIG. 4c shows the same embodiment from the front. FIG. 4d shows the same embodiment from above.

(45) Due to the removal of the lid cap 31, the third chamber 30 no longer exists and the leaf canopy of the plant is located out in the open, comparable to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

(46) Furthermore, FIG. 4 shows a harvesting system which is composed of a transport means 60 and a shifting means 70.

(47) The conveying means 60 includes two conveyor belts 62 and 63. The conveyor belt 62 is running laterally along the apparatus according to the invention at a height slightly below the level of the first dividing wall 15. It directly rests against the apparatus or extends at an only small distance to the same. The conveyor belt 63 extends congruent with the conveyor belt 62 and above the conveyor belt 62. It is likewise running laterally along the apparatus according to the invention and directly rests against the apparatus or extends at an only small distance to the same. The conveyor belt 63 extends slightly below the level of the second dividing wall 25.

(48) Of course, it is conceivable that also only the first conveyor belt or the second conveyor belt is present.

(49) In the Figure, the ramps 18 and 28 furthermore are shown. The ramp 18 directly adjoins the longitudinal edge of the first dividing wall 15 and extends away from the apparatus 1 obliquely inclined downwards from this edge. This ramp can be a separate component, belong to the conveying means 60, or be present at the apparatus according to the invention.

(50) If the ramp 18 is a separate component, or if the ramp 18 belongs to the conveying means 60, it is possible that a means for mounting a ramp is provided on the apparatus according to the invention at the level of the first dividing wall 15.

(51) In one embodiment, the ramp 18 also can be a part of the lateral boundary surface 22 folded to the outside.

(52) The shifting means 70 comprises a pair of slides 71, which are arranged at the level of the second chamber, and a further pair of slides 72, which are arranged above the level of the second dividing wall 25.

(53) All slides comprise a hydraulic system which can push the tools mounted on the slides into the region of the apparatus according to the invention.

(54) On the first pair of slides 71 a shield 75 is mounted, which is guided through the second chamber, wherein the crops are pressed out on the other side of the second chamber. On the opposite side, the crops stripped off are guided over the ramp 18 onto the conveyor belt 62 and transported away along the longitudinal axis of the apparatus according to the invention.

(55) On the second pair of slides 72 a shovel 76 is mounted. By extending the slides 72, the shovel 73 can be guided horizontally to pass slightly above the second dividing wall 25, wherein the upper part of the stem axis as well as the leaf crown of the plants are touched by the apparatus. On the opposite side, the leaf crowns of the useful plants stripped off are guided over the ramp 28 onto the conveyor belt 63 and transported away along the longitudinal axis of the apparatus according to the invention. At the front lower edge 77 of the shovel 76 a sharp edge, a knife or a saw-like formation possibly is present, which promotes the cutting of the stem axis.

(56) This process can excellently be automated. The apparatus according to the invention thus is particularly useful for the large-scale industrial cultivation.

(57) During the harvest described in connection with FIG. 4, the left and right lateral boundary walls 21 and 22 of the second chamber 20 must also be opened beside the covering cap 31.

(58) A particularly advantageous shifting mechanism has been explained already in connection with FIG. 2. Particularly preferably, the left and right side walls 21 and 22 are shifted away in longitudinal direction of the apparatus. Shifting away is particularly advantageous, since this operation can best be automated.

(59) FIG. 5 shows a further embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention.

(60) FIG. 5a shows a perspective view of this embodiment. FIG. 5b shows the same embodiment seen from the side. FIG. 5c shows the same embodiment from the front. FIG. 5d shows the same embodiment from above.

(61) In this embodiment, the second chamber 20 is approximately channel-shaped, and the width extension is small as compared to the longitudinal extension. The first dividing wall 15 and the second dividing wall 25 each include a plurality of through openings 16 or exit openings 26, which are arranged in one line along the longitudinal axis of the apparatus.

(62) With an arrow H directed vertically upwards and downwards, the variability of the height of the second boundary surface is indicated in FIGS. 5a and 5c, wherein the volume of the second chamber 20 can be increased, so as to create more space for the crops 7.

(63) In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the lower boundary of the first chamber 10 is a flexible plastic sack 10b impermeable to water. The same is mounted on fixing means on the left and right side walls 11 and 12 of the first chamber 10. When harvesting, this sack can be removed by separating a connection or be stripped off in longitudinal direction similar to the lateral boundary walls 21 of the second chamber. For this purpose, the sack 10a can be latched at the lower lateral edges of the left and right side walls 11 and 12 of the first chamber 10 via rail-like fixtures, so that the same can be shifted in longitudinal direction of the apparatus.

(64) If the leaf canopy and the fruit-bearing part of the plant are removed during a harvest, the roots of the plant initially remain in the first chamber and must likewise be removed. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the roots 6 can drop into the sack 13 and thus be collected and transported away in a simple way.

(65) In the case of the use of a water-tight sack 10a an aeroponic plant breeding is particularly advantageous, since the same is not impaired by the comparatively large volume of the first chamber. For this purpose, nebulizers 46 are present in the first chamber, which by supplying a nutrient solution generate a mist rich in nutrients in the first chamber.

(66) FIG. 6 shows a perspective partial view of a cross-section through an embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention as shown in FIG. 5. In this connection, reference is made to the description of FIG. 5.

(67) In this Figure, in particular the rail-like fixtures 95 at the lower lateral edges of the left and right side walls 11 and 12 of the first chamber 10 are clearly shown, with which the sack 10a can be latched, so that the same can be shifted in longitudinal direction of the apparatus.

(68) FIGS. 7a and 7b show two perspective views of a plant breeding facility with a plurality of apparatuses 1 according to the invention, which are aligned along a grid. The apparatuses 1 each are arranged above a pair of rails 100, which provides for the automated access to a number of objects and machines. For example, a tray 110 can automatically be moved under the apparatus according to the invention, so that when opening the lower boundary wall 10a, 10b of the first chamber 10 an escaping substrate, an escaping nutrient solution and possibly the roots can be collected during a harvest and be transported away. This process likewise can easily be automated.

(69) Furthermore, a lifting cart 120 can be moved in below the unit, which can be latched with the apparatus according to the invention at a suitable point of the rack. Thus, it is possible to automatically shift an apparatus according to the invention along the rails 100.

(70) FIG. 8 shows a perspective arrangement of a plurality of apparatuses 1 according to the invention in accordance with the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, wherein the same stand in the open field as miniature greenhouses. Via the skids 52, these apparatuses 1 are distributed over a field along rails 130, in order to ensure a good utilization of space and to be able to substantially simplify or automate the erection or removal. Furthermore, it can be provided that a conveying mechanism is provided in the depressions 130, by means of which the apparatuses 1 according to the invention can automatically be shifted along the depressions 130.

(71) FIG. 9 shows different views of a further configuration of the apparatus in accordance with the present invention.

(72) From the cross-sectional view according to FIG. 9a, the basic construction of the apparatus can be seen. Above the first chamber 10 for receiving the roots, there is located the second chamber 20 for receiving the crops, for example potatoes, tomatoes or the like.

(73) Reference numeral 25 designates the second dividing wall, which delimits the second chamber towards the top. In this second dividing wall, exit openings are located, through which the stalk of the plants protrudes, so that the leaves are located above the second chamber 20 and hence also above the second dividing wall 25.

(74) The reference numerals 22, 23 designate the lateral boundary walls of the second dividing wall.

(75) These lateral walls can be designed to be adjustable in their height and be made of a flexible material.

(76) Reference numeral 45 designates a sprinkler system, through which for example air humidity or nutrients can be introduced into the second chamber 20, in order to ensure an optimum growth of the crops.

(77) As can be taken from FIG. 9a, this sprinkler system is located in longitudinal direction of the apparatus and in an upper corner region of the second chamber 20.

(78) Reference numeral 15 designates the first dividing wall, which separates the first chamber 10 from the second chamber. In this first dividing wall 15, there are also located openings for receiving holding means, by means of which the seedlings or seeds are fixed.

(79) Below these holding means, the roots of the plant are located in the first chamber 10.

(80) Reference numeral 10a designates the bottom wall of the first chamber 10.

(81) As has already been stated above, it is conceivable that a nutrient solution, preferably an aqueous nutrient solution, is present in the channel 10a, or that such a solution flows through the channel 10a, in order to supply sufficient nutrients and/or also air to the roots, if this is necessary.

(82) FIG. 9b shows the arrangement according to FIG. 9a in a top view, wherein here again reference numeral 26 designates the openings arranged in the upper dividing wall 25, through which the stem axis 27 extends from the second chamber 20 to the outside.

(83) FIG. 9c shows the arrangement according to FIG. 9a in a side view, and FIG. 9d shows the arrangement according to FIG. 9a in a perspective view in which it is again illustrated that the two chambers 10, 20 lie one on top of the other.

(84) This arrangement only is an example which does not limit the invention.

(85) As can be taken from FIG. 10, it is also conceivable that the second chamber 20 not only extends above the first chamber 10, but also in one or in both lateral regions of the first chamber 10. FIG. 10a again shows the first chamber 10 for receiving the roots of the plant. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 10a, this chamber 10 in principle is sack-shaped and can consist of firm or flexible walls. In contrast to the embodiment according to FIG. 9, the second chamber 20 not only extends above the first chamber 10, but also in both side regions of the chamber 10, as can be taken from FIG. 10a. Thus, the second chamber 20 forms an inverted U-shaped arrangement and hence extends both above and on both sides of the first chamber 10.

(86) This has the advantage that the volume of the second chamber 20 is increased as compared to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 9, so that more space is provided for increasing the corresponding region of the plant, which is located in the second chamber 20.

(87) As indicated by double arrows, it can be provided that both the first dividing wall 15 and the second dividing wall 25 is variable in its height, so that the volume of the first chamber 10 and/or of the second chamber 20 is variably adjustable by a corresponding height adjustment. Like also in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 9, it can be provided that one or more openings for receiving the stem axis or the stalk of the plant extend in the second dividing plate 25.

(88) In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 10, the reference numeral 45 also designates channels through which an irrigation or sprinkling of the corresponding chambers or the part of the plant present therein is possible. Through these channels, for example a liquid, air, a nutrient solution or the like can be guided into the first or into the second chamber.

(89) FIG. 10b shows the arrangement according to FIG. 10a in a top view, FIG. 10c shows the arrangement according to FIG. 10a in a side view, and FIG. 10d shows the arrangement according to FIG. 10a in a perspective view.

(90) FIG. 11 shows a further embodiment which is similar to the one shown in FIG. 10. As a difference it should be mentioned that the first chamber 10 is delimited by a lower horizontal dividing wall and hence on the whole has a smaller volume than the first chamber 10 according to FIG. 10.

(91) In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 11, the first dividing plate 15 and the second dividing plate 25 also are height-adjustable, so that a change in volume of the first chamber 10 and also of the second chamber 20 is conceivable.

(92) Alternatively or in addition it can also be provided that the bottom plate 10a of the first chamber is designed variable in height, so that the volume of the first chamber 10 is variable independent of the volume of the second chamber.

(93) With regard to the further features and configurations of the exemplary embodiment, reference is made to the explanations of FIG. 10.

(94) FIG. 11b shows the arrangement according to FIG. 11a in a top view, FIG. 11c shows the arrangement according to FIG. 11a in a side view, and FIG. 11d shows the arrangement according to FIG. 11a in a perspective view.

(95) With an apparatus according to the invention, the cultivation can be carried out in an automated manner particularly simply and easily and leads to improved yields as compared to apparatuses according to the prior art. In addition, the apparatus according to the invention provides for an ease of harvesting, in that the crops of the plant lie inside the second chamber of the apparatus according to the invention substantially separate from the root and the leaf canopy.