A vertical farming structure having vertical grow towers and associated conveyance mechanisms for moving the vertical grow towers through a controlled environment, while being exposed to controlled lighting, airflow, humidity and nutritional support. The present disclosure describes a reciprocating cam mechanism that provides a cost-efficient mechanism for conveying vertical grow towers in the controlled environment. The reciprocating cam mechanism can be arranged to increase the spacing of the grow towers as they are conveyed through the controlled environment to index the crops growing on the towers. The present disclosure also describes an irrigation system that provides aqueous nutrient solution to the grow towers.

Disclosed herein are a planter apparatus and system. In one aspect, a planter system and apparatus can include one or more planting compartments, a water collection reservoir in fluid communication with at least one of the one or more planting compartments, and a water drainage system configured to drain water from one planting compartment into another planting compartment, drain water from one planting compartment into the water collection reservoir, or drain water from inside the water collection reservoir to outside the water collection reservoir, or a combination thereof. The planter apparatus may be further configured to include a water flow control component configured to: open for the flow of water through the water drainage system, and close, thus stopping the flow of water through the water drainage system based on the engagement and disengagement of a water drainage stopper mechanism at the base of the water drainage stopper. Also disclosed herein are methods of using the disclosed planter devices and systems.

A water-absorbent resin containing a vinyl alcohol-based polymer and having a crystal melting enthalpy of more than 0 J/g in a dry state.

A water-absorbent resin containing a vinyl alcohol-based polymer and having a crystal melting enthalpy of more than 0 J/g in a dry state.

An automated outdoor modular vertical plant cultivation system forming a vertical structure is provided. The system includes a plurality of shelves, each shelf having a web and flanges; two posts, each post having a web and flanges. Each shelf of the plurality of shelves is mounted between the two posts with incremental spacing between each adjacent shelf along a vertical length of the two posts. The web of each shelf includes a plurality of openings for retaining planter vessels. The flanges of each shelf retain an embedded structural member. The system includes a fluid circulatory system including shelf irrigation piping extending longitudinally above the web of each shelf; and power or power and data and fluid members for the system distributed from vertical risers located in proximity to the web of the posts, wherein the flanges of the shelves have provisions to retain the fluid circulatory system.

Disclosed is a self-watering insert for placement within a plant container, the insert comprising a one-piece self-supporting structure having an open bottom end, a closed top end, downwardly-sloping sidewalls, an open or closed interfacing structure that facilitates a secure seal of the insert against an interior wall of the plant container, an open collar on the top to allow temporary insertion of a pipe or water-discharging mechanism into the watering insert, a plurality of holes and/or screen/fabric material permanently attached to the surface of the top end, allowing water and air to pass through the surface. A lower flange extends circumferentially around the bottom end of the water insert, thereby creating a shelf upon which growing medium rests; the flange further featuring downward protruding fins spaced so as to provide channels through which water passes from underneath the interior of the watering insert to its exterior.

A system for the fertigation of a plant vessel and method of use for the same is disclosed. The system comprises a grow module containing a plurality of growing trays additionally containing plants, and/or shoots of plants in various stages of development. The growing trays are individually extracted from the grow module via a tray movement system and tray elevator controlled by a control system and precisely placed in a fertigation system, wherein they are aligned over and lowered onto an at least one nozzle which penetrate the plant vessels containing the plants and fertigate them with a combination of water, nutrients, and/or pressurized air. The individual growing tray is then replaced in the grow module and the process is repeated for all growing trays and plant vessels in the grow module.

Horticulture devices, systems, and methods for growing vegetation are disclosed and described. The horticulture device can include a fluid reservoir operable to receive fluid therein to form a fluid column inside the fluid reservoir. The horticulture device can further include a fluid inlet formed in the fluid reservoir to allow fluid to be introduced into the fluid reservoir. The horticulture device can further include at least one vegetation receptacle in fluid communication with said fluid reservoir. The horticulture device can further include a drain positioned within the fluid reservoir having an opening corresponding to a maximum fluid level for the fluid reservoir.

A hydroponic cultivation apparatus, a system and a method for facilitating hydroponic cultivation is disclosed. The hydroponic cultivation apparatus includes a reservoir, a plinth, a grow tray with a grow tray lid, and a docking with coupler. The reservoir, placed upon the plinth, is located at a higher position adjacent to the grow tray for optimizing liquid circulation from the reservoir to the grow tray and vice-versa using one or more pipes, a solenoid valve and a pump. The base further includes a dock coupled to the grow tray for providing an electrical connectivity to the grow tray and simultaneously allowing the liquid to flow through the grow tray without being leaked. Further, the apparatus is having a roof which is provided with sources of illumination for providing light required for plant growth.

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for cultivating plants, the apparatus includes a cabinet having a cultivation space; a door opening and closing the cultivation space; a cultivation shelf disposed inside the cultivation space and on which a seed package containing plants for cultivation is seated; a lighting device for radiating light to the cultivation shelf; a water tank provided inside the cultivation space and storing water; and a water supply pipe supplying water from the water tank to the cultivation shelf.