A self-supporting composite material is made with a shape conforming to the shape of an enclosure within which the composite material is incubated and molded. In on embodiment, a lid with at least one extrusion is placed over the enclosure to form a void in the final product corresponding to the extrusion. In another embodiment, a tool with extruded features is pressed into a face of the product in the enclosure to mold features into the finished product.

Carbon dioxide benefits plants in restricted indoor growing areas. Plants will deplete carbon dioxide levels in an indoor environment over time. The present invention provides a process design, system, and apparatus for a controlled, non-electrical, non-heat generating, non-mechanical, production source of CO.sub.2. The source of CO.sub.2 is fungi inoculated into a scientifically sterilized, enclosed growth medium prepared in a laboratory setting. The fungi is provided with an optimum food source from which the fungi may produce CO.sub.2 for at least six months. The CO.sub.2 produced is passively transferred from the fungi growing environment to an indoor plant growing environment under the optimization of the present invention. The transfer is non-electrical and preferably occurs through a gaseous interchange portal system which provides an interface between the fungi's enclosed plastic bag and the surrounding plant-growing environment.

A growing medium for a plant production apparatus utilized in greenhouse crop production is provided. The growing medium comprises a fibrous, non-woven matrix media material wherein the media material is constructed from a plastic material.

A growing medium for a plant production apparatus utilized in greenhouse crop production is provided. The growing medium comprises a fibrous, non-woven matrix media material wherein the media material is constructed from a plastic material.

A method and system for controlling harvesting of mushrooms from a bed during a mushroom graze harvest operation account for both mushroom separation and stagger, thereby providing for automatic and proper selection of which mushrooms in the bed are to be harvested in a given shift.

A consumer product for supplementing carbon dioxide is provided with delayed activation control in the form of a clamp. A bag, having a top and a bottom seal and a filter, contains a mycelial mass prepared under sterile laboratory conditions using aseptic techniques. The bag may be selectively clamped at various locations on its exterior. During manufacturing, the mycelial mass is sealed away from the air exchange portal by the clamp. The manipulation delays the optimized carbon dioxide generation and extends the product shelf-life significantly. The fungi are utilized on-demand by removal of the clamp and carbon dioxide flows from the product. Consumers will place the product near indoor plants. The precise clamping method delays the expiration of the product for storage and shipping optimization. The clamp is relocated to the top of the bag in order to provide a hanger for the carbon dioxide generator above plant level.

The water containment system(s) disclosed herein may include one or more trays operably connected by piping. In some implementations, the trays may be configured to support plants thereon and to catch water used to irrigate these plants. In this way, the collected water may be reclaimed and reused. In some implementations, the water containment system may help prevent water from leaking onto adjacent surfaces. In this way, a potential water hazard may be eliminated. In some implementations, each tray may include a housing with at least one grate covering an interior opening. In some implementations, the housing of each tray may have one or more sloped surface located within its interior. In some implementations, a drain may be located at or near the lowest point within the interior of the housing. In this way, water flowing through the interior of a tray's housing may drain out.

A novel strain of Pleurotus nebrodensis (Daewang No. 1, Accession No.: KACC93181P) and a method for cultivating it are provided. The novel strain of Pleurotus nebrodensis is different from the existing Pleurotus ferulae in shape and physiological characteristic, has an extra after-ripening period, can be grown at a low temperature of 22 to 25 C. and a low water content (RH) of 60 to 65%, can be cultivated in slightly acid environment of pH 5.5 to 6.5, can utilize bottle cultivation, and has a good shape not to be easily damaged in packaging. Thus, the novel strain of Pleurotus nebrodensis according to the present invention have good commercial value, are more resistant to environmental change, and can be mass produced by automation system and used for creating high value-added business in the food and agriculture industry.

A consumer product for supplementing carbon dioxide is provided with delayed activation control in the form of a clamp. A bag, having a top and a bottom seal and a filter, contains a mycelial mass prepared under sterile laboratory conditions using aseptic techniques. The bag may be selectively clamped at various locations on its exterior. During manufacturing, the mycelial mass is sealed away from the air exchange portal by the clamp. The manipulation delays the optimized carbon dioxide generation and extends the product shelf-life significantly. The fungi are utilized on-demand by removal of the clamp and carbon dioxide flows from the product. Consumers will place the product near indoor plants. The precise clamping method delays the expiration of the product for storage and shipping optimization. The clamp is relocated to the top of the bag in order to provide a hanger for the carbon dioxide generator above plant level.

The present invention discloses a bag packing mechanism for mushroom cultivation, which comprises two clamping seats, transport means, air duct, pumping means and push rod. Transport means supply collar. Air duct descends through the collar and extends into a bag from the opening of the bag, the two clamping seats clamp the top portion of the bag to close to the outer periphery of the air duct, the pumping means sucks the top portion, the two clamping seats open, the push rod is lowered to push down the collar to put on the top portion, the pumping means blow to open the top portion, the push rod is further lowered to fold the top portion down, the air duct and putter rise, and then complete the automation of packaging job.