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 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 is provided. 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 are also 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 is provided. 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 are also provided.

A greenwall cladding system for the growth of organisms such as plants and fungi on the side of structures, such as internal and external walls of buildings, is provided. Methods for the production of organisms on a greenwall cladding system, such as plants and fungi are also provided herein.

A greenwall cladding system for the growth of organisms such as plants and fungi on the side of structures, such as internal and external walls of buildings, is provided. Methods for the production of organisms on a greenwall cladding system, such as plants and fungi are also provided herein.

A horticultural fill system comprises a biodegradable outer packaging and a plurality of biodegradable bipyramidal horticultural fill elements. The plurality of biodegradable bipyramidal horticultural fill elements are removably disposed within the biodegradable outer packaging, and a group of the plurality of biodegradable bipyramidal horticultural fill elements is configured to be positioned in a horticultural planter container, as horticultural fill, beneath growth medium in which a plant is to be grown.

A horticultural fill system comprises a biodegradable outer packaging and a plurality of biodegradable bipyramidal horticultural fill elements. The plurality of biodegradable bipyramidal horticultural fill elements are removably disposed within the biodegradable outer packaging, and a group of the plurality of biodegradable bipyramidal horticultural fill elements is configured to be positioned in a horticultural planter container, as horticultural fill, beneath growth medium in which a plant is to be grown.

A biodegradable foam substrate for growing plants, system provided therewith and method for manufacturing such substrate. The biodegradable foam substrate for growing plants includes a biodegradable polymer and a nucleating agent, where the biodegradable polymer is a polyester and/or an aromatic polymer, and the biodegradable foam substrate provides an open cell structure enabling plant growth.

A biodegradable foam substrate for growing plants, system provided therewith and method for manufacturing such substrate. The biodegradable foam substrate for growing plants includes a biodegradable polymer and a nucleating agent, where the biodegradable polymer is a polyester and/or an aromatic polymer, and the biodegradable foam substrate provides an open cell structure enabling plant growth.

A method of growing plants in a coherent growth substrate product is provided and includes: providing at least one coherent growth substrate product comprising man-made vitreous fibres (MMVF) bonded with a cured aqueous binder composition; positioning one or more seeds, seedlings, cuttings or plants in contact with the growth substrate product; and irrigating the growth substrate product. The aqueous binder composition prior to curing includes a component (i) in the form of one or more oxidized lignins, a component (ii) in the form of one or more cross-linkers, and a component (iii) in the form of one or more plasticizers.