Variable-scale, modular, easily manufacturable, energy efficient, reliable, and computer-operated farming superstructure systems (FSS) may be used to produce Cannabis for human consumption with minimal water and environmental impact. A FSS system may comprise modules including liquid distribution and plant growing. A FSS may be configured to be constructed out of a plurality of containerized modules.

Variable-scale, modular, easily manufacturable, energy efficient, reliable, and computer-operated farming superstructure systems (FSS) may be used to produce Cannabis for human consumption with minimal water and environmental impact. A FSS system may comprise modules including liquid distribution and plant growing. A FSS may be configured to be constructed out of a plurality of containerized modules.

A system, method, and apparatus for increasing dry matter in plants is disclosed. A grower system for growing plants and crops provides an aerobic environment by controlling a plurality of environmental factors that decrease environmental stresses surrounding the plants or crops. The decrease in environmental stresses increases hydrolytic enzyme activity and releases additional hydrolytic enzymes. The hydrolytic enzymes breakdown a plurality of complex storage molecules of the plant or crop into simple storage molecules, increasing adenosine triphosphate production, given the plant more energy to increase dry matter.

A system, method, and apparatus for increasing dry matter in plants is disclosed. A grower system for growing plants and crops provides an aerobic environment by controlling a plurality of environmental factors that decrease environmental stresses surrounding the plants or crops. The decrease in environmental stresses increases hydrolytic enzyme activity and releases additional hydrolytic enzymes. The hydrolytic enzymes breakdown a plurality of complex storage molecules of the plant or crop into simple storage molecules, increasing adenosine triphosphate production, given the plant more energy to increase dry matter.

The present disclosure refers to a keratin-based substrate, comprising a keratin derivative and natural biopolymer, where the keratin derivative and natural biopolymer are crosslinked. The present disclosure also refers to a method of forming a keratin-based substrate, comprising (i) mixing a solution of keratin derivative with a solution of natural biopolymer; and (ii) drying the resulting solution of step (i) to obtain the keratin-based substrate. The present disclosure further relates to the use of the substrate as a plant growth medium or hydroponic support medium. In a preferred embodiment, a substrate comprising keratin intermediate filament protein and cellulose nanofibers is provided.

A hydroponic plant production apparatus comprising: a hollow grow tube with a slot formed in the front face of the grow tube, and a matrix media insert composed of two halves, where the media is insertable into the grow tube, allowing plants to be inserted and grown between the two halves of the matrix media insert in the grow tube. Methods for use of a hollow grow tube with a slot formed in the front face of the grow tube, and a matrix media insert composed of two halves, where the media is insertable into the grow tube, allowing plants to be inserted and grown between the two halves of the matrix media insert in the grow tube.

A hydroponic plant production apparatus comprising: a hollow grow tube with a slot formed in the front face of the grow tube, and a matrix media insert composed of two halves, where the media is insertable into the grow tube, allowing plants to be inserted and grown between the two halves of the matrix media insert in the grow tube. Methods for use of a hollow grow tube with a slot formed in the front face of the grow tube, and a matrix media insert composed of two halves, where the media is insertable into the grow tube, allowing plants to be inserted and grown between the two halves of the matrix media insert in the grow tube.

A method for producing a biodegradable floral arrangement media that includes obtaining a pre-formed mixture by mixing together: (a) a matrix of natural or inert inorganic fibers and/or powders; (b) a water insoluble, meltable compostable binder; and (c) optionally, additives; and heating the pre-formed mixture to fuse the binder with the matrix. Also, a biodegradable floral arrangement media made by the process, which is preferably compostable.

A synthetic soil substrate system has a plurality of synthetic soil substrate layers that are individually designed to promote plant growth as the roots grow into the layer and as a function of the growth stage. The synthetic soil substrate layers may be planar or may be concentrically arranged with a first synthetic soil substrate ring layer being configured inside of a second synthetic soil substrate ring layer. A synthetic soil substrate has pores that are configured for plant growth and retention and/or deliver of water and growth additives. The average pore size of a first synthetic soil substrate layer may be substantially different from the average pore size of an adjacent synthetic soil substrate layer. Also, the pore structure or shape of the pores may be different between synthetic soil substrate layers, The synthetic soil substrate may have an integral growth additive retained in the pores.

A synthetic soil substrate system has a plurality of synthetic soil substrate layers that are individually designed to promote plant growth as the roots grow into the layer and as a function of the growth stage. The synthetic soil substrate layers may be planar or may be concentrically arranged with a first synthetic soil substrate ring layer being configured inside of a second synthetic soil substrate ring layer. A synthetic soil substrate has pores that are configured for plant growth and retention and/or deliver of water and growth additives. The average pore size of a first synthetic soil substrate layer may be substantially different from the average pore size of an adjacent synthetic soil substrate layer. Also, the pore structure or shape of the pores may be different between synthetic soil substrate layers, The synthetic soil substrate may have an integral growth additive retained in the pores.