Robotic systems and methods for harvesting agricultural produce along multiple rows crops are disclosed. A mobile platform may include a robotic arm having a gripping tool and repositionable catch for collecting harvested target objects. A vision system may facilitate the identification of target objects and an associated controller may coordinate the various operational functions.

A tower catch mechanism that facilitates loading of vertical grow towers in a vertical farming structure having associated conveyance mechanisms for moving the vertical grow towers through a controlled environment, while being exposed to controlled conditions, such as lighting, airflow, humidity and nutritional support. The present disclosure describes a load conveyance mechanism that transfers grow towers to a loading position where grow towers are loaded onto a select grow line. Each grow line may include a grow tower conveyance system that moves vertically-oriented grow towers to select positions along a grow line. The system may include a tower catch mechanism that registers grow towers in position at the loading position for insertion into a select grow line. In some implementations, the tower catch mechanism can be integrated into other structures of the vertical farming system, such as a gutter basin corresponding to a select grow line.

Systems, methods and computer-readable media are provided for entering a fail safe mode for a controlled agricultural environment (CAE). The CAE includes movable receptacle supports for holding plants. In response to determining a fault condition in the CAE or in environmental conditioning equipment for the CAE, operation of the CAE or the environmental conditioning equipment is controlled to effect a change from a standard operating mode to a fail safe mode. The standard operating mode corresponds to desired environmental conditions in the CAE and the fail safe mode corresponds to non-ideal environmental conditions.

The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to nitrapyrin complexes and mixtures as well as syntheses thereof finding particular utility in agricultural uses. For example, these complexes or mixtures can be directly applied to soil, or can be applied in combination with fertilizers to increase nutrient uptake and to inhibit nitrification and urease hydrolysis. More particularly, the subject matter is directed to nitrapyrin complexed or mixed with monoacids that can be further functionalized. Other uses of the nitrapyrin complexes and mixtures, and compositions containing the nitrapyrin complexes and mixtures are disclosed.

System and methods for monitoring the growth of an aquatic plant culture and detecting real-time characteristics associated with the aquatic plant culture aquatic plants. The systems and methods may include a control unit configured to perform an analysis of at least one image of an aquatic plant culture. The analysis may include processing at least one collected image to determine at least one physical characteristic or state of an aquatic plant culture. Systems and methods for distributing aquatic plant cultures are also provided. The distribution systems and methods may track and control the distribution of an aquatic plant culture based on information received from various sources. Systems and methods for growing and harvesting aquatic plants in a controlled and compact environment are also provided. The systems may include a bioreactor having a plurality of vertically stacked modules designed to contain the aquatic plants and a liquid growth medium.

A fertilizer grinding mechanism, a water and fertilizer mixing device, and an aqueous fertilizer solution preparation production line. A fertilizer receiving body, where an edge is provided with a arranged first channel; a connecting body, fixed to a bottom of the fertilizer receiving body and provided with a second channel with the first channel, a bottom of the second channel is communicated with a buffer bin, a pushing block is arranged in the buffer bin, and the pushing block is connected with a drive mechanism for driving the block to move in direction of the body; and an inner grinding block, where the block is fixed to a bottom of the connecting body, an outer side of the inner grinding block is with a vertically movable grinding roller, the pushing block can push fertilizer under vertical movement of the roller. The grinding mechanism has a heat dissipation effect.

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.

An automatic and modular system for handling trays (32) used for containing plants or the like to be grown through hydroponic, or aeroponic, or aquaponic farming, comprises a first module (30) with a quadrangular plan and a vertical arrangement delimited by respective vertical supports (31), said first module (30) comprising two lateral zones, each of which includes a plurality of substantially horizontal and overlapping supporting seats or guides (37, 37′) for trays (32), and a central zone in which a vertical tray transfer device (33) operates, slidably along a vertical axis (Z) arranged on a movement means activated by motorization assemblies (34) able to translate said vertical transfer device (33) from a lowered position to a raised position for bringing itself to each tray (32) and vice versa, said vertical transfer device (33) being provided with a resting shelf (33′) for a tray (32) and with a first means adapted to translate along a first horizontal axis (Y) said tray from and towards a respective seat provided inside one of said lateral zones. Said first module (30) further comprises a second means (36) arranged in said central zone in which said elevator device (33) operates, adapted to take in charge a tray (32) when the latter is located on the shelf (33′) of said elevator device (33) and to displace said tray (32) along a second axis (X) horizontal and orthogonal to said first horizontal axis (Y) for performing the direct transfer of said tray (32) towards a further shelf (33′) of a further vertical transfer device (33) of a second module (30) arranged adjacent and connected to said first module.

An automatic vertical farming system may include a frame defining at least one growth area and configured to support a plurality of vertical plant growth structures within the at least one growth area. The system may include at least one light, at least one liquid conduit, and at least one gas conduit. The system may include at least one robot disposed on a top side of the frame and movably supported by the frame. The at least one robot may include at least one tool configured to manipulate the plurality of vertical plant growth structures. The system may include a control system including at least one processor configured to automatically control illumination by the at least one light, liquid flow through the at least one liquid conduit, gas flow through the at least one gas conduit, and operation of the at least one robot.

An aeroponics system includes a spray manifold with a fluid inlet, a plurality of fluid injectors attached to the spray manifold and in fluid communication therewith, and a fluid pump in communication with the fluid inlet of the spray manifold. A timing controller is in electronic communication with the plurality of fluid injectors. A power source is in electronic communication with the fluid pump, the plurality of fluid injectors, and the timing controller. The fluid pump is configured to maintain a constant high pressure within the spray manifold. The timing controller is configured to control the timing and pattern of energization of the plurality of fluid injectors. When any one of the plurality of fluid injectors is energized, fluid is allowed to pass from the spray manifold through that fluid injector.