Suspended cover
The present invention relates to a system for promoting the growth of plants under less than optimal climatic and lighting conditions, the system comprising a device which contributes to the formation of an enclosed space over the plants, and at least one source of light. A special characteristic of the invention is that the device which contributes to the formation of an enclosed space over the plants consists of a flexible tarp ( 1 ) which comprises integrated lighting sources ( 6 ), the flexible tarp ( 1 ) being kept up at an optional height over the plants by means of excess pressure built up under the tarp ( 1 ) by means of an excess pressure system ( 5 ).
1. A system for promoting growth of plants under suboptimal climate and lighting conditions, the system comprising
a flexible tarp that is kept floating at a controllable distance above the plants by means of an over pressure under the tarp, the over pressure being produced by means of an over pressure system, the flexible tarp and the over pressure providing an enclosed space over the plants, wherein the flexible tarp comprises at least one light source providing lighting for the plants, wherein the at least one light source is integrated with the flexible tarp such that the at least one light source and the flexible tarp can be rolled and kept floating by the over pressure system, and one of: a fertilizing system, a watering system, or a fertilizing and watering system integrated with the tarp.
2. A system according to claim 1 , wherein the tarp is wound up, folded or otherwise stored next to the plants to be treated when the tarp is not in use.
3. A system according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one light source emits a wide bandwidth light, or a narrow bandwidth light with a spectral composition comprising 60-99% red light (600-630 nm) in combination with 1-20% blue light (400-450 nm).
4. A system according to claim 1 , wherein the tarp is stiffened by means of fibers, ribs, or air beams.
5. A system according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one light source comprises light emitting diodes arranged on the flexible tarp.
6. A system according to claim 1 , wherein the tarp is stored in a culvert or on a vehicle.
7. A system according to claim 2 , wherein the tarp is wound up or folded next to the plants when not in use.
8. A system according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one light source emits a narrow bandwidth light having a spectral composition comprising 60-99% red light (600-630 nm) in combination with 1-20% blue light (400-450 nm) and 1-20% white light.
9. A system according to claim 4 , wherein the means for stiffening the tarp comprises carbon fiber, fiberglass or other suitable materials.
10. A system according to claim 1 , further comprising a fertilizing system, a watering system, or a fertilizing and watering system integrated with the over pressure system.
11. A system according to claim 1 , wherein the flexible tarp further comprises a separate layer containing cables or electronics.