This disclosure provides systems, methods, and devices related to the study of ecological processes. In one aspect, a device includes a base, a substrate, and an enclosure. The substrate is in contact with a first surface of the base. The substrate and the base define a root chamber. The enclosure is in contact with a second surface of the base. The base and the enclosure define a growth chamber. The base defines a stem port connecting the root chamber and the growth chamber. The base further defines a first port in fluid communication with the root chamber and a second port in fluid communication with the root chamber. The device is operable to contain a plant, roots of the plant being in the root chamber, a stem of the plant passing through the stem port, and leaves of the plant being in the growth chamber.

The present invention is enclosed in the area of raised beds. It is therefore an object of the present invention a modular structure (1) for a raised bed characterised in that it comprises at least one lower container (3), at least one upper container (2), and means for supplying water (4) to the at least one upper container, wherein: each upper container is suitable for planting or composting, is perforated (22) and is arranged over a lower container, such that at least one upper container is provided on and covers a top opening (31) of the lower container (3) and thereby a liquid within the at least one upper container drips (5) to such lower container by action of gravity, each lower container is configured to store water, and the means for supplying water are configured to bring water from a lower container on to each upper container. Such structure therefore provides for an autonomous system, which maintains unused water and nutrients, which are transported with the water, within the system.

A plant growth system for a microgravity environment includes a root chamber configured to prevent liquid from escaping from the root chamber in the microgravity environment and to enable recovery of liquid from within the root chamber. In some embodiments, the root chamber may be configured to provide water and/or nutrients to the plants, via ebb/flow and/or spray delivery. In some embodiments, the root chamber includes a main body and a root/shoot interface coupled to the main body. The root/shoot interface can be configured to hold a plant having a root system extending outward from one side of the root/shoot interface into the root chamber and a chute system extending outward from another side of the root/shoot interface outside of the root chamber. The root/shoot interface may be configured to provide water and/or nutrients to the plants.

A wireless powered solid state thermoelectric operated, multi staged, multi interfaced, soilless plant growth system consisting of a plurality of plates defining a plurality of orifices, channels, and chambers formed by connecting a series of engraved plates within the body of the plant growing device. Consisting of a computer controller, sensors, LED, pumps, and fan(s).

A hydroponic growing apparatus may include a housing, a water reservoir, and a lighting system. The housing may include a bottom surface and an open top surface. The apparatus may also include a pump, the pump comprising an inlet and an outlet, and a sprayer coupled to the outlet of the pump. Also, the apparatus may include a support structure configured to fit into an open top surface of the housing. The support structure may define a plurality of openings. The apparatus may include at least one cover plate configured to fit over the support structure in the open top surface of the housing.

A scalable, hydroponic plant cultivation system that incorporates top-down drip technology, a root misting spray, and a closed loop, lotic nutrient-rich, water-based solution circulation system in a highly oxygenated environment using aeration technology. The hydroponic system starts with a reservoir that is connected at its base to a series of plant containers which is in a closed loop system that pumps nutrient rich solution out from the reservoir to each plant container via an elevated, acequia drip system that provides the nutrient rich solution to the base of the plants, which is then circulated passively down through the root basket and then through the entire system of networked containers and back to the main reservoir. The next element of the hydroponic system has the reservoir connected to a series of pipes and manifolds that run through the upper interior of each plant container to deliver an aerated spray directed at the plant's upper roots. The next element of the hydroponic system is an aeration system that delivers oxygen directly into the nutrient rich water in each container. The final unique aspect of the system is the lightproof cover that covers the top of the root basket and wraps around the base of the stock of the plant to prevent algae growth. The aforementioned elements of the hydroponic system combine to create the optimum environment for what plants need for rapid and vigorous plant growth.

A method together with enabling apparatuses is disclosed for the rapid controlled growth of vegetable and similar crops in a hydroponic system. The method includes control of light, minimization of exposure to pathogens, control of temperature of ambient air and the water in the system, nutrients, pH and other growth factors such as transfer between ponds as well as specially designed floating flats and related devices.

The present disclosure provides an advantageous pan jig for installing a pan relative to a frame. The disclosed pan jig semi-permanently engages the pan relative to a frame. Specifically, the disclosed apparatus and method of use advantageously facilitates formation and mounting of a drip pan for use with a system that facilitates aeroponic growing. The disclosed aeroponic growing system may include a plurality of drip pans.

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.

The present invention is an aquaponic assembly, comprising at least one tank, wherein the tank is sized to contain a predetermined quantity and species of fish; a radial flow settler connected to the at least one tank, wherein the radial flow settler receives a liquid from the at least one tank, wherein the liquid contains fish excrement and the radial flow settler sorts solid excrement from the liquid; a mineralization system is connected to the radial flow settler, wherein the liquid from the radial flow settler undergoes a mineralization process to adjust the composition of the liquid; a series of liquid beds connected to the mineralization system, wherein the liquid passes through the series of liquid beds; and a plurality of substrates positioned within the liquid beds.