Fodder Growing System and Method

Abstract

A fodder growing apparatus includes an insulated housing having a draining floor, a door-closable open face, and a plurality of vertically-spaced platforms being supported in a position inclined downward between 3° and about 6°. The apparatus further includes pass-through irrigation system including spray nozzles supported over each of the platforms and supplied with water. An illumination system of the apparatus includes an LED equipped lighting assembly supported over each of the platforms. A ventilation system of the apparatus includes forced ventilation means. The apparatus further includes a programmable controller selected to deliver a time-variant program of at least irrigation and lighting, and temperature control means controlling the temperature within the housing.

Claims

1. A fodder growing system comprising: an insulated housing having a draining floor portion and at least one loading and unloading opening; a plurality of vertically-spaced platforms supported in said housing, each platform being bounded by spaced end wall portions interconnected by a rear wall portion and an open front edge portion, the platforms being supported in a position inclined downwardly from said rear wall to said front edge, said front edges being accessible from said opening; an irrigation system including spray nozzles supported over each of said platforms and supplied with water; an illumination system supported over each of said platforms; a ventilation system including forced ventilation means; and a programmable controller selected to deliver a time-variant program of at least irrigation, lighting and temperature control.

2. The fodder growing system of claim 1, wherein the housing resembles a transportable shipping container.

3. A fodder growing system comprising: a transportable insulated housing having: a floor, a roof, a pair of spaced side walls extending between the roof and floor, and a pair of spaced end walls extending between the roof, floor and side walls, wherein the side walls are of greater length than the end walls; a fodder growing compartment located within the housing; at least one closable opening in at least one of the side walls for accessing the compartment; and a plurality of fodder-growth surfaces supported within the compartment, each surface being adapted to support and grow fodder seeds so as to form a fodder mat, wherein each said surface has a fodder mat unloading end accessible from outside the compartment by way of the at least one closable opening, and each said surface is inclined relative to the horizontal such that irrigation water can drain downwardly over the unloading end and the fodder mat can be removed from the surface by way of the unloading end.

4. The fodder growing system of claim 3, wherein the housing resembles a transportable shipping container.

5. The fodder growing system of claim 3, wherein the at least one closable opening is provided by an opening in a said side wall and a closure that is movable between open and closed positions relative to the opening in said side wall.

6. The fodder growing system of claim 5, wherein each said side wall has a plurality of said at least one closable opening comprising a door and doorway.

7. The fodder growing system of claim 3, wherein each said surface extends substantially across the entire compartment from one said side wall to the other.

8. The fodder growing system of claim 3, wherein the plurality of surfaces are supported above one another.

9. The fodder growing system of claim 8, wherein the plurality of surfaces are supported along side one another.

10. The fodder growing system of claim 3, further including a support structure for supporting the plurality of surfaces, said support structure being selected from the group consisting of a rack, shelving system, stand and frame.

11. The fodder growing system of claim 3, wherein the housing includes a drainage system for removal of waste water from within the compartment.

12. A seed loader comprising: an elongate tray having a channel for holding seed, wherein the tray has an open end at one end of the channel, and a closed end at an opposed end of the channel; a longitudinal axis extending within the channel; and a handle extending from the closed end, enabling the elongate tray to be rotated about the longitudinal axis, so as to discharge the seed from within the channel.

13. The seed loader of claim 12, wherein the tray/channel has an arcuate cross section.

14. The seed loader of claim 12, further including a friction edging adjacent the open end.

15. The fodder growing system of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a building having a floor, two opposed end walls and two opposed side walls interconnecting the end walls, the side and end walls being formed of insulated panels, an insulated-panel top wall comprising both roof and ceiling of the building, and a pair of doors selectively closing respective opposed openings in the end walls.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0248] FIG. 1 is a partially cut-away perspective view of the embodiment;

[0249] FIG. 2 is an internal plan view of the embodiment;

[0250] FIG. 3 is an internal side elevation of the embodiment;

[0251] FIG. 4 is an internal end elevation of the embodiment;

[0252] FIG. 5 is a detail side view of a metal framing system for use in the embodiment;

[0253] FIG. 6 is a detail end view of the metal framing system of FIG. 5;

[0254] FIG. 7 is a detail front view of the metal framing system of FIGS. 5 and 6;

[0255] FIG. 8 is a detail view of a moulded platform for use in the embodiment of the invention;

[0256] FIG. 9 is a top, left isometric view of a container-form alternative embodiment of the present invention, with doors removed;

[0257] FIG. 10 is an end view of the apparatus of FIG. 9;

[0258] FIG. 11 is a top plan view (with the container top removed for clarity) of the apparatus of FIG. 9;

[0259] FIG. 12 is a detail internal end view of the apparatus of FIG. 9;

[0260] FIG. 13 is a top, right isometric view of the apparatus of FIG. 9, with doors installed;

[0261] FIG. 14 is an exploded isometric view of the apparatus of FIG. 13;

[0262] FIG. 15 is a detail plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 13;

[0263] FIG. 16 is a detail rear view of the apparatus of FIG. 13;

[0264] FIG. 17 is a detail end view of the apparatus of FIG. 13;

[0265] FIG. 18 is the Detail A of FIG. 17;

[0266] FIG. 19 is the irrigation system of the embodiment of FIG. 13;

[0267] FIG. 20 is the Detail B of FIG. 19;

[0268] FIG. 21 is a top isometric view of a platform for use in the embodiment of FIG. 13;

[0269] FIG. 22 is a ventilation assembly for use with the apparatus of FIG. 13;

[0270] FIG. 23 is a top isometric view of a seed loader for use with the apparatus of FIG. 13;

[0271] FIG. 24 is a side elevation view of part of a side wall of a transportable insulated housing of a fodder growing system, like that shown in FIG. 14, according to another embodiment of the invention;

[0272] FIG. 25 is a side elevation view of part of another side wall of the transportable insulated housing shown in FIG. 24;

[0273] FIG. 26 is a detailed top plan view of the transportable insulated housing shown in FIG. 24, further showing a plurality of fodder-growth surfaces connected to a support structure; and

[0274] FIG. 27 is a detailed end view of the transportable insulated housing shown in FIG. 24, further showing the plurality of fodder-growth surfaces and support structure.

DESCRIPTION OF REPRESENTATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0275] Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below. The following explanation provides specific details for a thorough understanding of and enabling description for these embodiments. One skilled in the art will understand that the invention may be practiced without such details. In other instances, well-known structures and functions have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to.” Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number respectively. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below” and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. When the claims use the word “or” in reference to a list of two or more items, that word covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list and any combination of the items in the list.

Example 1

[0276] In the drawings of FIGS. 1 to 8 there is provided a fodder growing system 10 including a concrete slab-on-ground 11 and integral reinforced concrete edge beams 12. The edge beams 12 support an insulated enclosure comprising side walls 13, end walls 14 and a top wall 15, each comprising a plurality of metal skinned insulated panels 16 supported on metal frame members at the panel joins 17. The end walls 14 each have an insulated door 20; when the respective doors 20 are opened, an end-to end passage 21 is defined through the enclosure. A height difference between the edge beams 12 and the slab 11 at the doors 20 is matched by integral concrete ramps 22. By this means a wheeled trolley or the like may pass through the enclosure from one end to the other.

[0277] To the outside of the enclosure is located a water storage tank 23, supplied at least in part by rain water collected on the top wall 15. An electrically boosted solar thermal water heater 24 is mounted on the top wall 15 and comprises a thermal solar collector 25 heating an insulated accumulator tank 26. A solar PV panel array 27 generates electrical power to meet the electrical energy needs of the fodder growing process, excess electrical energy being stored in a bank of deep cycle storage batteries.

[0278] Arranged on each side of the end-to-end passage 21 are growing assemblies 30, in this case each comprising a metal frame assembly 31 each supporting six ABS polymer moulded platform members 33.

[0279] The rack assemblies each include two pairs of spaced uprights 34 formed of 40×40×3 mm RHS aluminium, supported on load pads 35 on the slab 11.

[0280] The platform members 33 are supported on aluminium angle frame portions 36 welded to the uprights 34 and then to five spaced RHS aluminium stringers 37. While on a loading basis, fewer stringers are required. However, the use of stringers in excess of those needed strictly for mechanical strength contributes to the thermal mass of the apparatus, buffering the heating loads. The platform members 33 are screwed to the stringers 37 with self-drilling and tapping fixings.

[0281] The platform members 33 are present an upper surface at an inclination of about 4° downward toward the free edge of the platform member 33. As the platform members 33 are substantially parallel, as are the uprights, the assembly is braced against collapse by a plurality of upper braces 44 each bolted between the uprights 34 forming a respective pair.

[0282] The platform members 33 are thermoformed from ABS sheet to 2400×1200 mm. The members 33 are formed with three 50 mm high dividing walls 32 extending from a 50 mm high rear wall portion 38 toward the front edge 39. The dividing wall portions 32 are thermoformed as a flattened re-entrant. 50 mm high end wall portions 40 are also provided. The dividing walls permit the mat to be of manageable weight when stripping out at the end of the fodder growing cycle.

[0283] An irrigation system connects the water storage tank 23 and the hot water accumulator tank 26 to a plurality of spray nozzles 45 supported over each of said platform members 33. The reticulation aspects of the irrigation system comprise a 140 kPA pressure-switch controlled water pump 46, one of which pumps water from the storage tank 23 through a heat exchange coil in the accumulator tank 26, and the other of which draws directly from the storage tank 23. Both pump 46 outlets feed an electronically controlled tempering valve (not shown) adapted to control the temperature of the combined outflow to a temperature selected by means described hereinafter. The combined outflow passes to the spray nozzles 45 via a piping manifold 47 including electronically controlled valves 50.

[0284] An integrated control assembly includes an environmental housing 51 containing a multichannel programmable logic controller (PLC), electrical distribution board, and a solar panel regulator. A user interface touch screen 52 interprets and provides user control over the PLC and provides historical and current system data. A bank of sealed AGM deep-cycle batteries 53 is charged by the solar panels 27 and in turn powers the control assembly, pumps 46 and other functions as described hereinafter. The environmental housing 51 is also provided with a master isolation switch 54 and a protected data port assembly 55 for programming via an external laptop or tablet device. The integrated control assembly includes switching power to an immersive electrolytic ozonation device associated with the water storage tank 23.

[0285] The water storage tank is dosed with food grade, non-ionic surfactant (Tween 60) and is maintained at between 0.05% v/v (hot weather) and 0.1% v/v (cold weather), having regard to the expected mixing ratio imposed by the tempering valve and the PLC controlling it.

[0286] The irrigation system is completely controllable by means of the PLC controlling a time cycle of irrigation, the PLC timer switching on irrigation by opening the electronically controlled valves 50. The pumps 46 per se are automatic; the pressure switches enable all flow control to be managed by PLC switching of the electronically controlled valves 50. This enables a constant head to be maintained to close to the nozzles 45, preventing drain-back and allowing precise control of volumes by time and cycle duration alone. The PLC controls precise dosing of the irrigation water with non-ionic surfactant downstream of the tempering valve.

[0287] A typical 6-day irrigation regime may be as per Table 1:

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Water Duration Interval (sec) (mins) Day 1 10 20 Day 2 15 30 Day 3 20 30 Day 4 30 60 Day 5 30 60 Day 6 30 90

[0288] The delivery of irrigation water over the 6 day program is selected to be between 2 and 3 litres per kg of grown sprouts.

[0289] Temperature control is invoked by PLC-interface screen 52-selecting an irrigation temperature at the electronically controlled tempering valve or by selecting a tempering valve program based on a temperature sensor in the housing, the apparatus being capable of either method of temperature control. In the present case, the tempering valve control by the PLC is set at about 23° C. when the fixed-method is chosen, and is selected to approximately average 23° C. when programmed for diurnal variation.

[0290] The illumination system comprises light emitting diodes (LEDs) 56 in 36-watt per meter strips comprising 1 blue (450 nm) LED for every 8 red (700 nm) LEDs. The strips of LEDs 56 are mounted to the stringers 37 over the platform member 33 below, except in the case of the top platform member 33 where the strip is mounted to a dedicated bracket 57. The strips, stringers 37 and brackets 57 cooperated to yield an average flux of 36 Wm.sup.−2. The PLC is programmed to switch the LEDs over a 6-day growing cycle. Unlike prior art systems where illumination time is restricted to control mould growth, after the initial germination period of about 2 days when the illumination is turned off by the PLC, from the 2.sup.nd to the 6.sup.th days of a typical 6-day fodder growing cycle the illumination is on full-time.

[0291] A pair of exhaust blowers 60 under timer control by the PLC are operated to exchange two housing volumes of air per day for the first 2.5 days and one housing volume per day thereafter, in order to maintain oxygenation levels during the respiration-dominated germination phase of the growing cycle. In addition, the PLC coordinates operation of a UV air Ozonation device (not shown) with the air exchange exhaust blowers 60.

[0292] In order to prevent contamination and infection, there is no irrigation recycling; any non-absorbed irrigation water passes to waste via floor drains 61.

Example 2

[0293] In the embodiment of FIGS. 9 to 23, there is provided an alternate fodder growing apparatus 100. In this embodiment, a steel framed, insulated housing 101 has the general planform of a 12 m (40′) ISO shipping container, having insulated floor 102 and roof 103 assemblies. Removable door frame members 104 and a side wall panels 105 space apart the floor 102 and roof 103 assemblies and define a first major side 106 of the housing 101, and further spaced side wall panels 107 similarly define a second major side 110 of the housing 101. An insulated end wall 111 closes an end of the housing 101. An insulated end bulkhead 112 closes the housing 101 short of an end, dividing the housing into two spaces generally described as a growing space 113 and an equipment space 114. The equipment space 114 is selectively closed by a roller door (omitted for clarity).

[0294] Doorways 115 between the removable door frame members 104 and a side wall panels 105 and the spaced side wall panels 106 of the first 106 and second 110 major side wall portions and reach selectively closed by an insulated container door assembly 116, each including a container door closure assembly 117.

[0295] The equipment enclosure 114 is divided by a horizontal partition 120 into a wet space 121 and an electrical space 122. A heated water storage tank 123 is provided with a filler/dosing port 124 and supplies a pump 125 which delivers water under pressure through the bulkhead 112 at grommet 126 to an irrigation assembly 127 at lead in conduit 130.

[0296] Within the housing 101 is arrayed a metal frame assembly 131 supporting five vertically spaced sets of seven ABS polymer moulded platform members 132. The platform members 132 present an upper surface at an inclination of about 5° downward toward a free front edge 133. The platform members 132 are thermoformed from ABS sheet of 2400×1200 mm dimension as in Example 1. However, the orientation is 90° to that of Example 1, to form deeper and narrower platforms extending substantially across a standard container width. The platform members 132 are formed with two 50 mm high dividing walls 134 extending from a 50 mm high rear wall portion 135 toward the front edge 133. The dividing wall portions 134 are thermoformed as a flattened re-entrant. 50 mm high side wall portions 136 diverge outward from the upper surface of the platform member and are substantially parallel to the dividing wall portions 134. The dividing wall portions permit the biscuit to be of manageable weight when stripping out at the end of the fodder growing cycle, and which may be further managed by, for example, cutting the biscuit with a serrated knife.

[0297] The irrigation assembly 127 comprises a main riser 137 connecting the lead in conduit 130 to a manifold 140 distributing irrigation water to the individual platform members 132 via a dedicated dropper line 141 for each set of platform members 132, each platform member being served by a spray bar 142 supplied from the dropper line 141 and having three spray heads 143. The water pump 125 maintains the irrigation assembly 127 at a static head of 140 kPA by pressure switch control Each dropper line 141 is controlled individually by a solenoid valve 144 so that each set may be individually tailored in the irrigation program. Each spray bar 142 may be isolated by a ball valve 145 to enable spray head 143 maintenance or replacement.

[0298] An illumination system comprises light emitting diode (LED) strips 146 of 36-watt per meter 1 blue (450 nm) LED for every 8 red (700 nm) LEDs. The strips 146 are mounted to the metal frame assembly 131 over the platform members 132. The strips 146 cooperate to yield an average flux of 36 Wm.sup.−2.

[0299] The electrical space 122 includes a multi-channel programmable logic controller (PLC) 147, electrical distribution board 150 and ventilation blower 151. The PLC 147 has user programmable functions and pre-set functions, including switching power to an immersive electrolytic ozonation device associated with the water storage tank 123. The water storage tank is dosed with food grade, non-ionic surfactant (Tween 60) and is maintained at between 0.05% v/v (hot weather) and 0.1% v/v (cold weather). The tank is also dosed with root stimulant.

[0300] The PLC 147 is programmed to control a time cycle of irrigation and illumination, effected by opening the solenoid valves 144 and switching the LED strips 146 respectively.

[0301] A typical 5-day irrigation regime may be as per Table 2:

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Water Duration Interval (sec) (mins) Illumination Day 1 10 20 nil Day 2 15 30 nil Day 3 20 30 1 hr: 1 hr on: off Day 4 30 60 1 hr: 1 hr on: off Day 5 30 60 1 hr: 1 hr on: off Day 1 Harvest/reseed

[0302] In one method of use, the sets platforms 132 are loaded on sequential days, so that each set is on a different day of the 5-day cycle. The delivery of irrigation water over the 5 day program is selected to be between 2 and 3 litres per kg of grown sprouts. Temperature control is invoked in advance by the PLC 147 having input of ambient temperature data. The PLC 147 is programmed to switch the LED strips 146 over a 5-day growing cycle.

[0303] The ventilation blower 151 is under timer control by the PLC 147 and is operable to blow air through and air manifold 152 having two individual delivery pipes 153 having air jets 154 indexed with the spaces between the platform members 132 to positively displace respiration CO.sub.2-containing air. The ventilation blower 151 is controlled to exchange a selected volume, such as two housing volumes of air per day.

[0304] In order to prevent contamination and infection, there is no irrigation recycling; any non-absorbed irrigation water passes to waste via floor drain 155.

[0305] A seed bed loader 156 is provided whereby a charge of seed suitable for a single biscuit is loaded on a platform 132 in the space between a side wall 136 and an intermediate dividing wall 134 of two dividing walls 134. The loader 156 is inserted over the selected platform 132 portion and operated to deposit seed preferentially away from the intermediate wall(s) 134.

[0306] The loader 156 comprises an elongate tray 157 (having a channel) of arcuate cross section, which is a little shorter than the distance from the rear wall 135 and front edge 133 of the platform 132. The width of the elongate tray 157 is less than the spaces between side walls 136 and intermediate walls 134. The elongate tray 157 has one open arcuate end 160 and one walled arcuate end 161. The opposed elongate edges 162 of the tray 157 supports short pieces of low friction plastic edging 163 at the open end 160. The walled arcuate end 161 bears a handle 164.

[0307] In use the seed mass (soaked if necessary) is loaded in to the loader tray 157 with a scoop. The loaded loader 156 is inserted between the vertically spaced platform members 132 and rotated by the handle 164 to dump the seed mass on the lower platform between a pair of intermediate walls or a side wall and intermediate wall, as the case requires. The inverted loader 156 may then be withdrawn with the low friction plastic edging 163 bearing on the platform 132 and the open arcuate end 160 serving to evenly distribute the seed bed on the platform 132.

[0308] The advantage of the 5 day cycle include the following,

[0309] 1—Less risk of Mould

[0310] 2—Higher Relative Feed Value

[0311] 3—Higher levels of Starch left in grain

[0312] 4—Higher Dry Matter

Example 3

[0313] FIGS. 9 to 23 more generally show a fodder growing system 100 (fodder growing apparatus 100) that includes a transportable insulated housing 101 (housing 101), a fodder growing compartment located within the housing 101, closable openings 115, 116/117 (doorways 115 and door assemblies 116/117) for accessing the compartment, a plurality of plastic or metal fodder-growth surfaces 132 (platform members 132) supported within the compartment, and a growth surface support structure 131 in the form of a rack, shelving system, stand or frame (metal frame assembly 131).

[0314] The housing 101 includes a floor, a roof, a pair of spaced side walls extending between the roof and floor, and a pair of spaced end walls extending between the roof, floor and side walls. The side walls are of greater length than the end walls.

[0315] A first side wall has four closable openings 115, 116/117. A second side wall has 3 closable openings 115, 116/117. It is to be appreciated that other types of closable openings could be used and the number of closable openings could differ. For example, the closure could be in the form of a door, window, panel, shutter or flap. If in the form of a door, window, panel, shutter or flap, the door, window, panel, shutter or flap may be hinged to the side wall or other part of the housing so as to pivot about a vertical axis between the open and closed positions. Alternatively, the door, window, panel, shutter or flap may be hinged to the side wall or other part of the housing so as to pivot about a horizontal axis between the open and closed positions. If in the form of a roller door or shutter, the roller door or shutter may be mounted to a part of the housing (e.g. roof or side wall) such that the roller door or shutter may be raised and lowered (or otherwise moved) between the open and closed positions. If in the form of a sliding door, window, panel or shutter, the sliding door, window, panel or shutter may be slid substantially parallel with the side wall between the open and closed positions. If in the form of a fabric flap, the flap may be mounted to a part of the housing (e.g. roof or side wall) such that the flap may be moved between the open and closed positions.

[0316] Each fodder-growth surface 132 is adapted to support and grow fodder seeds so as to form a fodder mat. Each surface 132 has a fodder mat unloading end 133 (free front edge 133) accessible from outside the compartment by way of the closable openings 115, 116/117. Each surface 132 is inclined relative to the horizontal such that irrigation water can drain downwardly over the unloading end 133 and the fodder mat can be removed from the surface 132 by way of the unloading end 133.

[0317] Each surface 132 extends substantially across the entire compartment, substantially from one housing 101 side wall to the other, so as to maximise fodder growth area. The unloading end 133 of each surface 132 extends substantially parallel with a side wall or opening in the side wall. A growth area of each surface 132 on which fodder seed is grown is substantially flat/planar. Each surface 132 has a raised periphery or edge 135, 136 (rear wall portion 135, high side wall portions 136) extending from the unloading end 133 and around the growth area so as to contain fodder seed within the growth area so as to form a suitable fodder mat. Each surface 132 has dividing walls 134 (dividing wall portions 134) extending substantially perpendicularly of the unloading end 133 and separating one fodder growth area from another.

[0318] The surfaces 132 are supported/spaced above and along side one another to provide maximum growth area, but with the spacing nevertheless providing clearance for fodder growth, adequate irrigation and adequate lighting. Other surface 132 configurations can be used.

[0319] The plurality of fodder-growth surfaces 132 can be fixedly connected to the support structure 131 or connected to the support structure 131 for movement relative thereto. For example, the surface 132 may be connected to the support structure 131 by way of a rail or roller system, allowing movement and extension of the unloading end 133 through the closable opening 115, 116/117 and externally of the compartment. This may assist with initial seeding, growth inspection and/or unloading of the fodder mat, as well as cleaning and maintenance of the surfaces 132.

[0320] Each surface 132 may be downwardly inclined at any suitable angle relative to the horizontal, so as to enable drainage of water downwardly along a growth area of the surface. For example, the angle of inclination may be approximately 0.5°, 1°, 1.5°, 2°, 2.5°, 3°, 3.5°, 4°, 4.5°, 5°, 5.5°, 6° or even greater. In some embodiments the surfaces may be supported in a position inclined downward between 3° and about 6° from the horizontal.

[0321] FIGS. 24 to 27 show part of a fodder growing system 100a, similar to system 100, that includes a transportable insulated housing 101a, a fodder growing compartment 200a located within the housing 101a, closable openings 115a (but only showing general outlines of doorways 115a) for accessing the compartment 200a, a plurality of plastic or metal fodder-growth surfaces 132a supported within the compartment 200a, and a growth surface support structure 131a in the form of a rack, shelving system, stand or frame.

[0322] The housing 101a includes a floor, a roof, a pair of spaced side walls extending between the roof and floor, and a pair of spaced end walls extending between the roof, floor and side walls. The side walls are of greater length than the end walls. The housing 101a has a floor drain 155a.

[0323] A first side wall (FIG. 24) has five closable openings, comprising five separate doorways 115a that are closed by 5 individual doors. A second side wall (FIG. 25) has three closable openings 115a, one of which is closed by an individual door and two of which are closed by double doors.

[0324] Each fodder-growth surface 132a is adapted to support and grow fodder seeds so as to form a fodder mat. Each surface 132a has a fodder mat unloading end 133a accessible from outside the compartment by way of the closable openings 115a. Each surface 132a is inclined relative to the horizontal such that irrigation water can drain downwardly over the unloading end 133a and the fodder mat can be removed from the surface 132a by way of the unloading end 133a.

[0325] Each surface 132a extends substantially across the entire compartment, as seen in FIGS. 26 and 27, substantially from one housing 101a side wall to the other. A growth area 201a of each surface 132a on which fodder seed is grown is substantially flat/planar. Each surface 132a has a raised periphery or edge extending from the unloading end 133a and around the growth area 201a so as to contain fodder seed within the growth area 201a so as to form a suitable fodder mat. Each surface 132a has dividing walls 134a extending substantially perpendicularly of the unloading end 133a and separating one fodder growth area 201a from another.

[0326] Seven surfaces 132a are stacked above one another, as seen in FIG. 27. Five stacks of surfaces 132a are positioned alongside one another along a length of the compartment 200a, as seen in FIG. 26.

[0327] The plurality of fodder-growth surfaces 132a can be fixedly connected to the support structure 131a or connected to the support structure 131a for movement relative thereto. For example, the surface 132a may be connected to the support structure 131a by way of a rail or roller system, allowing movement and extension of the unloading end 133a through the closable opening 115a shown in FIG. 24 and externally of the compartment 200a. This may assist with initial seeding, growth inspection and/or unloading of the fodder mat, as well as cleaning and maintenance of the surfaces 132a and support structure 131a.

[0328] Each surface 132a may be downwardly inclined at any suitable angle relative to the horizontal, so as to enable drainage of water downwardly along a growth area 201a of the surface 132a. For example, the angle of inclination may be approximately 0.5°, 1°, 1.5°, 2°, 2.5°, 3°, 3.5°, 4°, 4.5°, 5°, 6° or even greater.

[0329] Advantages of the transportable fodder growing system 100, 100a as exemplified include:

[0330] 1. The system is transportable.

[0331] 2. Fodder growing area is maximised.

[0332] 3. Fodder growth surfaces 132, 132a can be stacked/configured as required.

[0333] 4. Single fodder mats can be grown on each surface 132, 132a across the compartment.

[0334] 5. Fodder mats can be easily accessed and removed via the side walls.

[0335] 6. The surfaces 132, 132a and support structure 131, 131a can be readily accessed for cleaning and maintenance via both side walls of the housing 101, 101a.

[0336] Particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated. Accordingly, the actual scope of the invention encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention.

[0337] The above detailed description of the embodiments of the invention is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed above or to the particular field of usage mentioned in this disclosure. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. Also, the teachings of the invention provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described above.

[0338] The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. All of the above patents and applications and other references, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporated herein by reference. Aspects of the invention can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the various references described above to provide yet further embodiments of the invention. Changes can be made to the invention in light of the above “Detailed Description.” While the above description details certain embodiments of the invention and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the invention can be practiced in many ways. Therefore, implementation details may vary considerably while still being encompassed by the invention disclosed herein.

[0339] As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated. While certain aspects of the invention are presented below in certain claim forms, the inventor contemplates the various aspects of the invention in any number of claim forms. Accordingly, the inventor reserves the right to add additional claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of the invention.