METHOD AND DEVICE FOR GROWING PLANTS Russian patent published in 1995 - IPC

FIELD: agriculture. SUBSTANCE: device for growing plants has vegetative tubes variable in their cross section depending on the plant volume. The tubes are mounted spirally on a cone-shaped appliance for rotation round a central vertical axis to ensure uniform insolation of plants. Seedlings in flexible nets are secured in holders joined together by means of telescopic ties to form a chain located inside the vegetative tube. The seedlings are moved from the planting compartment on the cone apex to the harvesting compartment at the cone base. After harvesting, empty holders are delivered through a return tube back to the planting compartment, and the cycle is repeated. The telescopic ties are provided with a reservoir with some nutritive solution. The reservoir is regularly filled with moisture resulting from aerosol condensation on the moisture-collecting film surface inside the vegetative tube. The mass of solution makes the reservoir descend to a certain depth in an electric heater coil. As the solution is heated, the aerosol is discharged to lift a retainer mounted on the reservoir cover. The retainer is in engagement with teeth of plates of the telescopic ties. As a result, the spacings between plants increase as the plants grow. Concurrent discharge of aerosol and discharge of mixture of gases ensuring regular drying of the root system and removal of breathing metabolites makes possible movement in the vegetative tubes, and it allows the whole device to be turned through a certain angle round the vertical axis. The movement of plants by gravity is an energy-saving factor. The device is provided with an automated control system optimizing the plant growing process to suit the climate conditions. EFFECT: improved growing conditions. 4 cl, 14 dwg