Abstract: Resilient plant development media are disclosed that can include a first layer that includes a plurality of adjacent strands, a second layer that includes a plurality of strands that are adjacent and that is in stacked relation relative to the first layer, wherein the strands of the first layer and the strands of the second layer are in a non-aligned orientation relative to each other. The strands in the first layer and the strands in the second layer may define a crisscross pattern. The multilayer resilient media is effective in supporting seeds during germination and plants throughout their growth and development. The multilayer resilient media is effective for use in various plant growing modalities, e.g., aeroponic, nutrient film, and hydroponic plant growing environments, and may be easily cleaned for reuse.

A gel plug comprised of a gel may be used for growth of plants. The gel may include two polysaccharide components, with a second of the two components providing increased rigidity Plants may be grown, including from seed, in the gel plug.

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.

A method to grow cannabis is described, wherein the method includes providing and treating a source of water, mixing the water with an additive to form a liquid mixture, transferring the liquid mixture to a plurality of cannabis plants grown in a growing medium including a mycorrhiza fungus, and growing the cannabis using a humidity control method, then harvesting the cannabis plants. Trimming and grinding the cannabis along with use of environmental control methods including temperature, humidity, lighting schedules, and carbon dioxide concentrations are also described.

A method to grow cannabis is described, wherein the method includes providing and treating a source of water, mixing the water with an additive to form a liquid mixture, transferring the liquid mixture to a plurality of cannabis plants grown in a growing medium including a mycorrhiza fungus, and growing the cannabis using a humidity control method, then harvesting the cannabis plants. Trimming and grinding the cannabis along with use of environmental control methods including temperature, humidity, lighting schedules, and carbon dioxide concentrations are also described.

Described herein are compositions and methods relating to functionalized sands or soils.

Described herein are compositions and methods relating to functionalized sands or soils.

Carbon black can be used for soil conditioning, e.g. to promote growth of plants, to promote soil drainage, and to prevent erosion, evaporation, and silting up. The carbon back is worked into the topsoil.

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 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.