CROP CULTIVATION

The invention relates to a floating carrier for cultivating crops on water. The floating carriers according to the invention arc configured particularly to be used in a basin of a cultivation system.

The invention further relates to an assembly of such a floating carrier and a holder for growing crops, and to such a holder and a tray with integrated holders.

The invention further relates to a method for growing at least two crops in a cultivation system.

Cultivation systems for cultivation on water in a basin are generally known. It is likewise generally known to make use here of floating carriers in the basin which have a rectangular form and have growth locations therein which form passages for providing roots of the crops with access to water in the basin. Such floating earners are for instance known from WO-2010/093248, and such floating carriers more particularly take a form generally similar to a tray, i.e. approximately square and only a little rectangular, and in any event not elongate. Side walls extending downward during use enclose an air layer in order to impart buoyancy to these known tray-like floating carriers. The known tray-like floating carriers are for instance moulded or pressed from a thin layer of plastic and are soft and pliable, which may perhaps suffice for the buoyancy of the floating carriers. It is the object here to provide simple and inexpensive floating carriers with the desired buoyancy and the ability to (manually) handle such floating carriers to a desired extent, and it is precisely here that there is a problem with many prior art cultivation systems.

The objective, particularly in the case of crops such as lettuce, is bulk production and, in combination therewith, a far-reaching degree of automation. Scaling up the size of the known floating carriers does not provide a solution here.

WO-2015/002529 of applicant proposes a cultivation system for cultivating determined crops on water in a basin which is suitable for far-reaching automation and bulk production. With this cultivation system an embodiment which is automated to far-reaching extent is made possible for the purpose of cultivating determined crops, such as lettuce, on water in a basin. The floating carriers are sufficiently sturdy and strong, even when very long floating carriers are applied, which allows mechanical processing such as lifting out of the basin, using a lift, floating carriers having therein at least approximately fully-grown crops and the associated weight in addition to the weight of the floating carriers themselves. Such strengthened floating carriers are also suitable for engagement by a pivot mechanism.

A drawback of the floating carriers described in WO-2015/002529 is that each floating carrier has a pattern of openings which is optimized for a determined type of crop, for instance lettuce. If a different crop has to be cultivated, the carrier will deliver a sub-optimal performance and is preferably exchanged for a floating carrier optimized for this other type of crop. The carriers were in addition sometimes found difficult to seal, whereby it was possible for leakage to result and for the buoyancy of the floating carriers to decrease.

An object of the present invention is to provide a floating carrier for cultivating crops on water, wherein said drawbacks do not occur, or at least do so to lesser extent.

Said object is achieved according to the invention with the floating carrier for cultivating crops on water according to the present invention, comprising:

- an elongate float, comprising at least one floating body which is hollow or is manufactured from a buoyant material and which extends in longitudinal direction of the float;

- a cover which can be arranged on the upper side on the elongate float and which is provided with openings forming possible growth locations for the crops; and

- wherein the float and the cover can at least be connected to each other. Because the float and the cover can at least be connected to each other, a modular system results which can be easily assembled and wherein a float can be provided as desired with a type of cover optimized for cultivating specific crops.

According to a preferred embodiment, the float and the cover can be releasably connected to each other. A releasable connection provides the option of providing a float as desired with a different type of cover at a later stage.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the elongate float of the floating carrier is provided with openings, wherein in connected situation of the float and the cover one or more openings in the cover are in each case aligned with corresponding openings in the float, so that continuous openings result which form possible growth locations for the crops. When the float and the cover are connected to each other, one or more openings in the cover and in the float are substantially aligned with each other so that continuous openings are formed through which holders for the specific crop or roots of this crop can extend into the water. The releasability of the connection between the float and the cover makes it possible to exchange the cover, so that the float can always be provided with a cover optimized for the crop to be cultivated at that moment. The float can be provided with a fixed pattern of openings, while the choice of cover determines the assembled pattern of growth locations which is available after the float and the cover are connected.

It is noted that the float is provided with floating bodies and that these are thereby present in the float independently of the cover. Because the floating bodies are provided in the float and it is not the case that they are formed only after assembly of the float and the cover, the floating body is provided with a relatively rigid and well controllable cross-sectional form, which enables a reliable seal, for instance with sealing caps. A particularly easily attachable and releasable and at the same time reliable connection is obtained if a snap connection, whereby the float and the cover can be releasably connected to each other, is provided according to an embodiment.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the elongate float is provided with a number of openings greater than the number of openings arranged in the cover.

When the float and the cover are mutually connected, continuous openings will only be formed at the locations where both the float and the cover are provided with an opening. Because the cover is provided with fewer openings, these openings in the cover determine the locations where in assembled situation of the float and the cover continuous openings are formed through which holders for the crops or roots of the crops can extend into the water.

The cover is provided with fewer openings than the float, whereby the cover will close one or more openings arranged in the float. This covering of openings which are not in use at that moment for cultivating crops is advantageous, since it is thus prevented that (sun)light can radiate onto the water through continuous openings which are not in use. Tf (sun)light radiates into the water this may cause an undesired increase of the water temperature, whereby undesired algal growth is stimulated.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the float is provided with at least two rows of openings extending in longitudinal direction thereof, wherein the openings of adjacent rows are placed at substantially the same position.

According to yet another preferred embodiment, the cover is provided with at least two rows of openings extending in longitudinal direction thereof, wherein the openings of adjacent rows are offset relative to each other.

According to yet another preferred embodiment, the float comprises at least two floating bodies which are mutually connected with a bridge part, and wherein at least one row of openings is arranged in the bridge part between these floating bodies.

The advantage of arranging a row of openings between adjacent floating bodies is twofold. The structure is on the one hand simplified in that the floating bodies - which can be hollow and in that case must be sealed watertightly - can themselves lack continuous openings. Growth locations arranged between the floating bodies will on the other hand have the advantage that an elongate air duct is formed under the growth locations. This air duct is enclosed on the sides between two adjacent floating bodies, on the underside by the water surface and on the upper side by the side of the float facing toward the water surface. Such an elongate air duct which connects the different growth locations is advantageous because all growth locations connected to the elongate air duct are subjected to the same atmospheric conditions, which enhances the controllability thereof. An interaction between oxygen and water takes place, and carbon dioxide is formed, in the air duct.

An elongate air duct also enhances the discharge of this nitrogen dioxide, since ventilation can take place through this duct. It is in addition moreover possible to provide only a few venting openings, which together discharge carbon dioxide from the whole elongate venting duct.

According to yet another preferred embodiment, the float comprises at least three floating bodies extending in longitudinal direction of the float, wherein mutually adjacent floating bodies arc connected to each other with a bridge part and wherein at least one row of openings is arranged in at least two bridge parts.

According to yet another preferred embodiment, the float comprises four floating bodies extending in longitudinal direction of the float, wherein mutually adjacent floating bodies are connected to each other with a bridge part and wherein at least one row of continuous openings for forming growth locations is arranged only in the two outer bridge parts. By providing the float with four floating bodies, the necessary buoyancy is reduced and a floating body of smaller dimensions suffices. In the case of tubular floating bodies the diameter of the tubes can be reduced, whereby the overall height of the floating carrier is reduced.

Tf the floating bodies according to yet another preferred embodiment have at least at their outer ends a substantially round cross-section, a reliable watertight seal can be obtained, whereby the floating carrier is less susceptible to leakage.

If the floating body according to yet another preferred embodiment has over substantially its whole length a substantially round cross-section, round tubes can be used. In addition to the wide availability thereof, this round form has the additional advantage that the buoyancy thereof increases in non-linear manner. As the floating carriers become more heavily loaded and the round tubes come to lie deeper in the water, the buoyancy thereof increases. This non-linear buoyancy is particularly advantageous because the buoyancy increases as the plant grows and loads the floating carrier more heavily.

Although it is possible to envisage that one or more continuous openings are not utilized for cultivating a crop but are intentionally left clear so as to discharge carbon dioxide from the air ducts between the floating carrier and the water surface, it is particularly advantageous according to a further preferred embodiment that one or more than one venting opening is at least provided in the cover.

According to yet another preferred embodiment, one or more than one venting opening, which in assembled situation of the float and the cover provides a continuous venting duct, is further provided in the float.

It is noted that the venting openings are in a particularly advantageous embodiment arranged slightly offset relative to each other, so preventing (sun)light being able to radiate onto the water through the venting duct running through these venting openings. The venting openings can be arranged in a bridge part provided with openings for forming growth locations as well as in a bridge part situated between growth locations. If the floating carrier according to yet another preferred embodiment and a second aspect of the invention comprises in a connected situation of the float and the cover a liquid chamber, each floating carrier will form a separate compartment for a limited number of plants. Because the roots of the crop are accommodated inside a floating carrier and are compartmentalized by the liquid chamber, the spread of diseases via the large basin of the cultivation system is prevented. This is because the roots no longer hang down into the water of the basin, whereby the spread of possible diseases is in principle limited to the growth locations forming part of the same liquid chamber within a single floating carrier. According to this second aspect of the invention, the water in the basin is no longer employed for supplying water to the roots but serves as transport system for the floating carriers.

According to yet another preferred embodiment, the liquid chamber extends at least under the openings arranged in the cover and forming possible growth locations for the crops, and the liquid chamber is bounded on the underside by the float. The float seals the liquid chamber from the water in the basin, whereby the roots are accommodated inside a floating carrier and do not come into direct contact with the water in the basin.

Because the liquid chamber is according to yet another preferred embodiment in liquid connection with a liquid reservoir arranged on the upper side of the floating carrier, it is possible to supply new liquid from the liquid reservoir to the liquid chamber. A floating carrier progresses through a cultivation system and can be provided with liquid continuously or periodically during the covered route. In addition to supplying fresh water, it is also possible to envisage that additional additives are administered at determined locations along the route.

According to yet another preferred embodiment, the liquid chamber is bounded by one or more than one closing wall arranged close to an outer end of the floating carrier.

According to yet another preferred embodiment, one or more than one discharge opening for discharging liquid from the liquid chamber is further provided close to an outer end of the floating carrier. The spread of diseases is further prevented in that it is possible to replenished the liquid in the liquid chamber regularly or even continuously.

According to yet another preferred embodiment, the one or more than one discharge opening is arranged in the closing wall.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the floating carrier with the liquid chamber, the float and the cover are integrated. The principle of providing a liquid chamber in a floating carrier is in principle unrelated to whether or not the floating carrier takes a two-part form, and can for instance also be applied to integrally manufactured floating carriers.

The invention further relates to an assembly of a floating carrier as described with reference to the second aspect of the invention and a holder for growing crops, the holder comprising at least an upper part with dimensions greater than the dimensions of the openings provided in the cover and a lower part with dimensions smaller than the dimensions of the openings provided in the cover, and wherein the lower part of the holder extends from the cover into the liquid chamber.

The invention further relates to an assembly of a floating carrier as described with reference to the first aspect of the invention and a holder for growing crops, the holder comprising at least an upper part with dimensions greater than the dimensions of the openings provided in the cover and a lower part with dimensions smaller than the dimensions of the openings provided in the cover, and wherein the lower part of the holder extends from the cover to a position beyond the corresponding openings in the float.

According to a preferred embodiment of the assembly with a floating carrier according to the first or the second aspect of the invention, the holder comprises at least two protruding parts which define a size greater than the size of the openings provided in the cover.

If the protruding parts of the holder according to a preferred embodiment take the form of a pot, a floating carrier can be employed without further adjustment for the application of normal pots as well as for the application of such a holder. It is even possible for a single floating carrier to be provided partially with pots and partially with such holders.

Such a holder can be filled with a substrate which absorbs water from a water basin of a cultivation system, and is thereby suitable for growing crops which grow not as a single plant but as individual leaves. An example of such a crop is baby leaf lettuce.

The invention further relates to a holder for growing crops as described in this application.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the floating carrier, the liquid chamber is arranged between two rows of growth locations and provided on at least one side facing toward a row of growth locations with an overflow, wherein a further liquid chamber is provided under the row of growth locations.

According to a further preferred embodiment, one or more than one closing wall, which bounds the liquid chamber and the further liquid chamber under the row of growth locations, is arranged close to an outer end of the floating carrier.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the closing wall comprises at least close to the further liquid chamber a discharge opening situated during use at a lower level than the overflow between the liquid chamber and the further liquid chamber.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the holder comprises an adapter which extends downward from the bottom and whereby the holder can be placed in an opening in the cover of the floating carrier.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the adapter tapers in a direction away from the bottom. According to a further preferred embodiment, the holder forms an outer pot configured to receive an inner pot, the inner pot comprising: a bottom; at least one side wall which is connected to the bottom; and a top edge of the side wall.

According to yet another preferred embodiment, the inner pot further comprises a channel along the height of the holder, this channel comprising an indentation in the side wall so as to define an opening at the top edge, wherein the top edge surrounds the opening.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the bottom of the inner pot comprises a recess corresponding to the indentation of the side wall for the purpose of the channel.

According to a further preferred embodiment, a wick is inserted vertically into the inner pot.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the wick is in contact with at least one of a substrate plug and plant material.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the wick extends through the bottom of the inner pot.

The invention further relates to an assembly of a floating carrier as described in this application with a holder as described in this application.

The invention further relates to a tray comprising at least two holders which are integrated with each other.

The tray preferably takes the form of a platter, which can more preferably be provided with upright edges so that a receptacle form is provided.

According to a preferred embodiment, the tray comprises downward extending adapters which correspond to openings in a cover of a floating carrier.

The invention further relates to a method for growing at least two types of harvestable product in a cultivation system, comprising the steps of: growing at least a first harvestable product in floating carriers on water; and growing at least a further harvestable product in the water.

According to a preferred embodiment of the method, it comprises of growing algae in water.

According to a preferred embodiment of the method, it comprises of growing lettuce in the floating carriers. The cultivation system can thus simultaneously grow lettuce in the floating carriers and grow algae in the water basin under the floating carriers.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the method, it comprises of applying a floating carrier according to the invention.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are further elucidated in the following description with reference to the drawing, in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic top view of a cultivation system according to the prior art formed by WO-2015/002529; Figure 2 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of a floating carrier according to the prior art formed by WO-2015/002529;

Figure 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the floating carrier of figure 2;

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a floating carrier according to the invention;

Figure 5 shows a cut-away perspective view of the floating carrier according to figure 4;

Figure 6 shows a side view of a floating carrier according to the invention, wherein the growth locations are provided with pots;

Figure 7 shows a side view of a floating carrier according to the invention, wherein the float and cover are uncoupled;

Figures 8 and 9 show schematic views of possible configurations of patterns of recesses arranged in the float and the cover;

Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a cultivation system according to a second aspect of the invention;

Figure 11 shows a perspective detail view of an end surface of a floating carrier according to the second aspect of the invention;

Figure 12 shows a perspective detail view of a central part of a floating carrier according to the second aspect of the invention;

Figure 13 shows a cross-section of the floating carrier according to the second aspect at the position of a liquid reservoir;

Figure 14 shows a cross-section of the floating carrier according to the second aspect at the position of a growth location; and

Figure 15 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of a floating carrier according to a third aspect of the invention;

Figures 16 and 17 show cross-sectional views of the floating carrier according to figure 15;

Figure 18 shows a perspective view of a floating carrier with holder according to a fourth aspect of the invention;

Figure 19 shows a perspective cross-sectional view with a holder according to a first preferred embodiment of the fourth aspect of the invention;

Figure 20 shows a perspective cross-sectional view with a holder according to a second preferred embodiment of the fourth aspect of the invention;

Figure 21 shows a perspective view of a floating carrier with holder in the form of a tray according to a fifth aspect of the invention; and

Figure 22 shows a cross-sectional view of the floating carrier according to figure 21. Figure 1 shows a cultivation system 1 for crops for bringing the crops, such as lettuce, to full growth in floating carriers on water. This cultivation system 1 is known from WO- 2015/002529 and is elucidated here (in simplified manner) for the sake of completeness.

Cultivation system 1 comprises a basin 2 with water therein. Basin 2 comprises two elongate production ponds 3. Shown on the right-hand side in figure 1 is an infeed end 4 on a short side of the elongate production ponds 3 and the basin 2 assembled therefrom. An outfeed end 5 is located opposite infeed end 4.

Floating in each of the production ponds 3 are large numbers of elongate floating carriers 6, only several of which are shown in figure 1. The length of floating carriers 6 substantially corresponds to the width of the elongate production ponds 3 and floating carriers 6 float or are moved forward in an orientation transversely of a longitudinal direction of the elongate production ponds 3. Floating carriers 6 are displaced through an associated one of the two production ponds 3 from infeed end 4 to outfeed end 5 at a rate corresponding to development of the plants to full growth. The length of production ponds 3 is for instance adapted to this purpose.

As shown in figure 2, floating carriers 6 each comprise a number of growth locations 7 for the crops. In growth locations 7 holders 13 for the crops or roots of the crops extend into the water as shown in figure 3.

Cultivation system 1 in figure 1 further comprises a transport system, not further elucidated here, which is configured to take floating carriers 6 out of the water in basin 2 at outfeed end 5, after which they can be displaced back to infeed end 4 along the shortest possible path via the at least one conveyor 10.

Diverse handling or processing stations are disposed along conveyor 10 along the long side 9 of basin 2, i.e. a cleaning station 17, a harvesting station 18 and a planting station 19. Cleaning station 17 is represented symbolically by spray nozzles. With the object of achieving proper cleaning the floating carriers 6 for cleaning are preferably manufactured from a smooth plastic.

At harvesting station 18 containers or trays are supplied, filled with harvested crops and subsequently discharged. At planting station 19 containers filled with young plants are supplied, after which the young plants/crops are transferred to growth locations 7 in floating carriers 6.

Cultivation system 1 comprises an advancing mechanism for displacing floating carriers 6 through production ponds 3. The advancing mechanism comprises a tractive device embodied as elastic cable 27, the cable 27 extending from outfeed end 5 to a cross beam 28 in production pond 3. Cable 27 exerts a force in the direction of arrow B on cross beam 28 so that floating carriers 6 floating in the direction of arrow B in front of cross beam 28 are pulled to outfeed end 5. The advancing mechanism further comprises a retractive device located opposite cable 27 relative to cross beam 28 and here in the embodiment of a selectively actuable winch 29 connected to cross beam 28. From infeed end 4 the floating carriers 6 are moved forward with this advancing mechanism to outfeed end 5 at a rate corresponding to development of the crops to full growth.

A floating carrier 6 as known from WO-2015/002529 is shown in figure 2. This prior art floating carrier 6 comprises two continuous beams 52 which are hollow but could alternatively be manufactured from material which is solid or in any case buoyant. Beams 52 extend as strengthening beams over substantially the whole length of the elongate floating carrier 6.

Connecting plates 53 extend between beams 52.

Backing elements 54 are arranged between beams 52 in addition to connecting plates 53. Backing elements 54 comprise openings 55 for receiving holders 13 as shown in figure 3. In a specific embodiment the holders can comprise a second shoulder 56 with a larger diameter d, wherein this second shoulder 56 can come to rest on the periphery of openings 55 of floating carriers 6. It will be evident that connecting plates 53 also comprise passages 57 for passage of either a bottom 58 of holders 13 or roots 59 of the crop being cultivated in holders 13. In preference (only) the bottom of holders 13 is immersed in the water. Tn combination with passages 57 openings 55 define the growth locations 7 of floating carriers 6.

According to the preferred embodiment shown in figure 4, floating carrier 60 according to the present invention comprises two rows of possible growth locations 62 in which holders 13 can be received. Floating carrier 60 comprises an elongate float 64, comprising in the shown embodiment four floating bodies 66. Floating bodies 66 take a hollow form and are sealed watertightly at their outer ends using sealing caps 68. In figure 4 these sealing caps are partially concealed from view by guide 74, which can optionally be provided for guiding floating carrier 60 along the side walls of a basin 2 of a cultivation system 1.

Floating carrier 60 further comprises a cover 86 which can be releasably connected to float 64, for instance using a snap connection, as further elucidated with reference to figure 7.

Both float 64 and cover 86 are provided with openings, respectively openings 78 in float

64 and openings 88 in cover 86. The position of these openings 78, 88 is chosen such that when float 64 and cover 86 are connected to each other, each opening 88 in cover 86 is aligned with a corresponding opening 78 in float 64, so that continuous (growth) openings results which form possible growth locations 62 for the crops.

A cut-away perspective view of figure 5 shows that floating carrier 60 is assembled from a float 64 and a cover 86, which can be releasably connected to each other using a snap connection. Float 64 is provided for this purpose with hook members 84 and cover 86 with hook members 96 (figure 7).

Float 64 is further provided with floating bodies 66, whereby these are present in float 64 independently of cover 86. Because floating bodies 66 are provided in float 64 and it is not the case that they are formed only after assembly of float 64 and cover 86, floating body 66 is provided with a relatively rigid and well controllable cross-sectional form, which enables a reliable watertight seal, for instance with sealing caps 68.

Sealing caps 68 can for instance comprise a first sealing part 70 and a second sealing part 72 which have a circumference which increases during a relative rotation and which can thus be clamped in floating bodies 66 in scaling manner.

Float 64 comprises four floating bodies 66, wherein mutually adjacent floating bodies are connected to each other with a bridge part 80. In the shown embodiment the two outer bridge parts 80 are provided with a row of openings 78. Corresponding openings 88 are arranged in cover 86 so that continuous (growth) openings in which holders 13 can be received are formed at desired positions.

Venting openings 90 are further provided through which carbon dioxide formed above the water surface can be discharged. Also provided in float 64 are venting openings (not shown here), which in a particularly advantageous embodiment are arranged offset relative to venting openings 90 in cover 86. Tt is thus prevented that (sun)light could heat the water in basin 2 of cultivation system 1 via the venting openings.

An elongate air duct is formed under the growth locations (figure 6). This air duct is enclosed on the sides between two adjoining floating bodies 66, on the underside by the water surface in basin 2 of cultivation system 1 , and on the upper side by the side of float 64 facing toward the water surface.

In addition to the above discussed snap connection with hook members 84, 94, figure 7 further shows that cover 86 is provided with a profiling 92. This profiling provides on the one hand an elevation which supports holders 13 at the desired height, and on the other hand imparts additional stiffness to cover 86.

Because float 64 and cover 86 can be releasably connected to each other, a modular system which can be adapted in simple manner is created, wherein a float 64 can be provided as desired with a type of cover 86 optimized for cultivating specific crops. Figures 8 and 9 show two possible configurations of a cover 86. When float 64 and cover 86 are connected to each other, one or more openings 88, 78 in cover 86 and in float 64 are substantially mutually aligned so that continuous openings are formed through which holders for the specific crop or roots of this crop can extend into the water. Figure 8 shows the continuous (growth) openings with dark hatching.

It is noted that openings 78 of float 64 which are not hatched in figure 8 ar e covered by cover 86 since it lacks a corresponding opening 88. This covering of openings 78 which are not in use at that moment for cultivating crops is advantageous since it is thus prevented that (sun)light can radiate onto the water in basin 2 of cultivation system 1 through continuous openings which are not in use. If (sun)light radiates into the water this may cause an undesired increase of the water temperature, whereby undesired algal growth is stimulated. The releasability of the snap connection between float 64 and cover 86 makes it possible to exchange cover 86, so that float 64 can in each case be provided with a cover 86 optimized for the crop to be cultivated at that moment. Float 86 is preferably provided with a fixed pattern of openings 88, while the choice of the type of cover 86 determines the assembled pattern of growth locations 62 which is available after float 64 and cover 86 arc connected.

Figures 10-14 show a further preferred embodiment which comprises measures which are in principle also applicable to traditional integrally formed floating carriers. For the second aspect it is not essential for the floating carrier to comprise an elongate float and an individual

(replaceable) cover.

For the sake of clarity the cultivation system 101 according to figure 10 shows only one floating carrier 160 in a basin 102, and further has many similarities to the cultivation system 1 elucidated with reference to figure 1. The two cultivation systems 1, 101 do differ in that arranged above floating carriers 160 is a liquid supply conduit 196, provided over the length thereof with a plurality of openings 197 on which downward extending side lines 198 are arranged in the shown embodiment.

In contrast to figure 1, figure 10 shows a single elongate production pond 103, although the skilled person will appreciate that two or more elongate production ponds can if desired be placed mutually adjacently in accordance with the cultivation system of figure 1.

Liquid, such as water, which is supplied through liquid supply conduit 196 flows via openings 197 and downward extending side lines 198 into at least one liquid reservoir 199 arranged on floating carrier 160. This liquid reservoir 199 is arranged on the upper side of floating carrier 160 between growth locations 162 and is shown in detail in figure 12.

The floating carrier 160 shown in figures 10-14 further has many similarities to floating carrier 60 according to the first aspect of the invention. Shown floating carrier 160 thus comprises two rows of possible growth locations 162, in which holders 113 can be received. Floating carrier 160 comprises an elongate float 164 which comprises in the shown embodiment four floating bodies 166. Floating bodies 166 take a hollow form and are sealed watertightly at their outer ends using sealing caps 168.

Floating carrier 160 further comprises a cover 186 which can be releasably connected to float 164, for instance using a snap connection which has already been described with reference to figure 7 for the first aspect and is not further elucidated here.

In contrast to the floating carrier 60 according to the first aspect of the invention, floating carriers 160 according to this further preferred embodiment and second aspect of the invention are only provided with openings 188 in cover 186, and float 164 lacks corresponding openings in accordance with openings 78 of floating carrier 60. According to the second aspect, continuous (growth) openings are thus expressly prevented and holders 113 only extent downward through openings 188 of cover 186 (figure 14). Roots 159 are thus situated in a space 201 between float 164 and cover 168. This space 201 forms part of a liquid chamber 202 which is enclosed on the sides between two floating bodies 166 and closing walls 200. The liquid chamber is bounded on the underside by a bridge part 180 of float 164. In the shown embodiment closing walls 200 are arranged at the outer ends of floating carriers 160 between scaling caps 168 and can if desired be integrated with sealing caps 168.

Because liquid chamber 202 is in liquid connection with liquid reservoir 199 via supply openings 203, liquid chamber 202 can be provided via liquid reservoir 199 with liquid supplied via liquid supply conduit 196 of cultivation system 101 (figure 13). During the cultivation process, in which a floating carrier 160 moves forward through the basin 102 of cultivation system 101, liquid chamber 202 can be provided with new liquid, such as fresh water, periodically or continuously. Floating carriers 160 are provided close to the outer ends thereof with discharge openings 204, which can be formed on the one hand by a drilled hole 205 arranged in closing wall 200 or on the other hand in that closing wall 200 has a limited height and thus forms an overflow edge 206 between closing wall 200 and cover 186. Because of the discharge, the liquid level in liquid chamber 202 remains in principle at the level of discharge opening 204, although in the case of a possible blockage thereof or an unexpectedly great inflow of liquid it can flow over edge 206 (figure 13).

Because the roots 159 of the crop are accommodated inside a floating carrier 160 and are compartmentalized by liquid chamber 202 (figure 14), the spread of diseases via large basin 102 is prevented. This is because roots 159 no longer hang down into the water of basin 102, this in contrast to the situation in carriers 60, whereby the spread of possible diseases is in principle limited to the growth locations 162 forming part of the same liquid chamber 202 within a single floating carrier 160. The spread of diseases is further prevented in that it is possible to replenish the liquid in liquid chamber 202 regularly or even continuously.

Float 164 is in the shown embodiment once again provided with floating bodies 166, whereby these are present in float 164 independently of cover 186. Because floating bodies 166 are provided in float 164 and it is not the case that they are formed only after assembly of float 164 and cover 186, floating body 166 is provided with a relatively rigid and well controllable cross- sectional form, which enables a reliable watertight seal, for instance with sealing caps 168.

In the case of a floating carrier 260 comprising a plurality of rows of growth locations 207, the chance of possible diseases being spread between the individual rows is reduced by mutually separating the water in which the roots of the plants in the different rows are situated. A particularly advantageous embodiment for this is shown in figures 15-17, wherein figure 16 shows a view of an end surface of the floating carrier 260 shown in figure 15, and figure 17 shows a cross-section of this floating carrier 260. In the floating carrier 260 according to figures 15-17 liquid chamber 302 is arranged between two rows of growth locations 207 and provided on at least one side facing toward a row of growth locations 207 with an overflow 308, wherein a further liquid chamber 310 is provided under the row of growth locations 207.

Because liquid chamber 302 is arranged between two rows of growth locations 207 and is provided on the side facing toward the rows of growth locations 207 with an overflow 308, water from liquid chamber 302 can flow to an adjacent row of growth locations 207 when the liquid level in this liquid chamber 302 rises to a level higher than that of overflow 308.

Floating carrier 260 has one or more than one closing wall 300 which is arranged close to an outer end of floating carrier 260 and bounds liquid chamber 302 and further liquid chamber 310 under the row of growth locations 207.

Water which is added to floating carrier 260, for instance as according to figure 12, is received in a liquid chamber 302 located between two rows of growth locations 207. This liquid chamber 302 extends in the longitudinal direction of floating carrier 260 and is bounded on the end surfaces of the floating carrier by a closing wall 300 which during use is provided on the upper side with a discharge opening 304 with an overflow edge 306.

Closing wall 300 comprises at least close to further liquid chamber 310 a discharge opening 304 which is situated during use at a lower level than overflow 308 between liquid chamber 302 and further liquid chamber 310. Discharge opening 304 ensures that the liquid level under growth locations 207 cannot rise to an undesirably high level. Because discharge opening 304 is during use moreover situated at a lower level than overflow 308 between liquid chamber 302 and further liquid chamber 310, it is moreover ensured that water flows from growth locations 207 into basin 102 and will not flow back to liquid chamber 302. Transmission of diseases between two rows of growth locations 207 situated on either side of a liquid chamber 302 is thus prevented.

The spread of diseases is further prevented in that a regular or even continuous replenishment of the liquid in further liquid chambers 310 is possible.

In the shown embodiment discharge opening 304 is formed in that closing wall 300 has a limited height, although it goes without saying that this discharge opening 304 can alternatively be embodied as a drilled hole (not shown) arranged in closing wall 300. In addition to discharging liquid, discharge opening 304 also serves for ventilation of the row of growth locations 207.

According to a further preferred embodiment, holder 213 is provided with an adapter 326 which extends downward from a bottom 316 of holder 213 and whereby holder 213 can be placed in an opening 88 in a cover 86 of a floating carrier 60. Adapter 326 preferably tapers from bottom 316.

The embodiment according to figures 18-20 comprises an inner pot 312 which is arranged in an outer pot 314. A wick 320 which extends through the bottom 316 of inner pot 312 and can come into contact with water can be arranged in inner pot 312. Wick 320 can thus be connected to water of basin 102 (figure 19) or to water in a liquid chamber 202 of a floating carrier 160 (figure 20). In a floating carrier 260 according to figures 15-17 it will be possible to connect wick 320 to the liquid in further liquid chamber 310.

According to a preferred embodiment, holder 213 forms an outer pot 314 which is configured to receive inner pot 312. Although the inner pot can in principle be any random type of pot, inner pot 312 according to the shown preferred embodiment comprises: a bottom 316; at least one side wall 317 which is connected to bottom 316; a top edge 328 of side wall 317; and a channel 324 along the height of holder 213, this channel 324 comprising an indentation in side wall 317 so as to define an opening 322 at top edge 317, wherein top edge 317 surrounds the opening. Channel 324 provides the option to a consumer of providing the plants with water in simple manner after inner pot 312 is placed in an outer pot (not shown) by a consumer.

Shown holder 213 forms an assembly of an outer pot 314 and an inner pot 312. A substrate (not shown) or root system of a plant is received in inner pot 312 during use.

Bottom 316 of inner pot 312 preferably comprises a recess corresponding to the indentation of side wall 317 for the purpose of channel 324.

A wick 320 is inserted vertically into inner pot 312 and can extend to different heights in inner pot 312.

It is advantageous for wick 320 to extend at least from an upper side of inner pot 312 to the bottom 316 thereof because the wick is then also situated in a range where the roots of very young plants are situated.

Wick 320 is preferably in contact with at least one of a substrate plug and plant material during use.

It is particularly advantageous for wick 320 to extend through bottom 316 of inner pot 312, so that wick 320 can be connected to water of basin 102 (figure 19) or to water in a liquid chamber 202 of a floating carrier 160 (figure 20).

Although outer pot 314 is in figure 19 carried with its adapter 326 in the upper surface between the floating bodies, adapter 326 can in an embodiment (not shown) support in or against the lower surface, i.e. bridge part 380 of the floating bodies in figure 19.

As shown in figures 18-20, inner pot 312 can be placed in a floating carrier 60 according to the invention during growing of a plant. After a consumer has bought the plant, inner pot 312 can be placed by the consumer in an outer pot (not shown), wherein this outer pot defines a liquid reservoir, to comprise at least one of water or another liquid, nutrients, herbicides, pesticides.

In contrast to the above stated undesired algal growth in embodiments wherein the roots of the crop hang down into the basin, a different situation results in the embodiments wherein roots and 20. Because there is in such embodiments no contact between the water in basin 102 and roots

159, possible algae in basin 102 cannot affect roots 159. It is noted that it is not possible to preclude that for some applications algae will be allowed to come into contact with roots 159 of plants.

In cases in which there is no contact between the water in basin 102 and roots 159 of the plants it is even possible to envisage that algal growth is desired, so that algae can be grown in basin 102 during growing of crops in floating carriers 160. The water in basin 102 heats up due to the (sun)light for growing the crop.

Although holders 13, 113, 213, 313 are in each case embodied as an individual holder to be arranged in each case per se in an opening 88, 188 of a cover 86, 186 of a floating carrier 60,

160, 260, it can be advantageous from a viewpoint of simplified handling of the plants to integrate two or more holders with each other in a tray 330.

The preferred embodiment of such a tray 330 as shown in figures 21 and 22 integrates a plurality of holders for this reason. Tray 330 takes the form of a platter and integrates sixteen growth locations, more specifically two rows of eight growth locations each. During handling it is thus possible to handle sixteen growth locations in one operation instead of sixteen individual holders when placing a tray 330 in the cultivation system and removing it from the cultivation system. The cultivation system is hereby further optimized for automation and bulk production.

Tray 330 comprises downward extending adapters 332 which correspond to openings 88, 188 in a cover 86, 186 of a floating carrier 60, 160, 260.

It is noted that a tray 330 with adapters 332 when arranged in corresponding openings 88, 188 imparts extra stiffness to floating carrier 60, 160, 260, 360, whereby a cover 386 of a single layer suffices between floating bodies 366 in the floating carrier 360 shown in figures 21 and 22. This floating carrier 360 has an elongate float 364 comprising floating bodies 366 which are hollow or are manufactured from a buoyant material, and which extend in longitudinal direction of float 364. Cover 386 is arranged on the upper side on floating bodies 366 of elongate float 364 and is provided with openings 388 which form possible growth locations for the crops.

It is noted that an integrated holder, such as tray 330, can be based on all types of described holder 13, 113, 213, 313, and is moreover not limited to a determined type of floating carrier in respect of its application.

It is further noted that the surface between the floating bodies in which or against which tray 330 supports with its adapters 332 can also be arranged lower than shown in figure 22. This surface can thus for instance be provided at the height of bridge part 380 in figure 19.

Although they show preferred embodiments of the invention, the above described embodiments are intended only to illustrate the present invention and not in any way to limit the specification of the invention. When measures in the claims are followed by reference numerals, such reference numerals serve only to contribute toward understanding of the claims, but are in no way limitative of the scope of protection. It is particulaily noted that the skilled person can combine technical measures of the different embodiments. The rights described are defined by the following claims, within the scope of which many modifications can be envisaged.