Organic Soil Based Automated Growing Enclosure

Abstract

An automated organic closed-loop grow enclosure that has rows of hydration trays that support removable (three across) grow containers for microgreens such as broccoli. Each grow container has a layer of soil. The seeds are treated with mycorrhizae and mixed with enriched top soil having a wicking agent. The grow containers are automatically watered once a day from the bottom and the capillary action of the soil lifts and holds the water in the grow container. LED Lighting is used to stimulate day and night cycles. The water is treated with magnets, turbulence and charcoal filters. The water cascades down the tiered trays using siphons. No other treatment of the water is necessary since almost no micro-organisms or organic material leak from the grow containers due to a filter barrier in the bottom of the grow container. Spectacular consistent growth rates are easily achieved.

Claims

1. An apparatus, comprising: a grow container having a grow container side wall joined to a grow container bottom having a plurality of aperture elements open between an internal surface and an external surface of said grow container bottom; and a hydration barrier disposed over said internal surface of said grow container bottom.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said hydration barrier comprises a filter barrier.

3-7. (canceled)

8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a hydration container having a hydration container side wall joined to a hydration container bottom defining an internal surface and an external surface, said internal surface defining an interior space configured to receive said grow container, said hydration container including at least one aperture element open between said internal surface and an external surface of said hydration container.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a hydration liquid recycling system having a pump operable to deliver a hydration liquid from a hydration liquid source to said hydration container and return said hydration liquid passing through said at least one aperture in said hydration container to said liquid source.

10-13. (canceled)

14. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising one or more filter elements removably coupled to said liquid recycling system, wherein said one or more filters filter said hydration liquid recirculated in said liquid recycling system, wherein said one or more filter elements comprises a filter sock having a porosity of about 100 micrometers.

15. (canceled)

16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said one or more filter elements comprises activated carbon pellets.

17. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising one or more pairs of magnets, each of said one or more pairs of magnets disposed in oppositional, like polarity relation, wherein said hydration liquid passes between said one or more pairs of magnets.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising a series of spheres, wherein said hydration liquid passes about said series of spheres.

19. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said hydration container comprises a plurality of hydration containers, said plurality of hydration containers arranged vertically between a top hydration container and a bottom hydration container, wherein said hydration liquid recycling system delivers hydration liquid to said top hydration container, and returns said hydration liquid passing through said aperture element of said bottom hydration container to said hydration liquid source.

20. (canceled)

21. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a soil layer disposed in said grow container.

22. (canceled)

23. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising a plurality of seeds disposed on top of said soil layer.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, further comprising a mineral layer disposed on top of said plurality of seeds and said soil layer.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein said plurality of seeds soak in a germination container containing Mycorrhizal fungi admixed with said hydration liquid prior to being disposed on said soil layer.

26. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein said soil layer has a depth X.

27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein said hydration liquid recycling system delivers said hydration liquid to said hydration container to to a height of about one half of said depth X of said soil layer.

28-29. (canceled)

30. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein said soil layer wicks said hydration liquid through said plurality of aperture elements of said grow container to said plurality of seeds.

31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein said liquid recycling system drains said liquid from said hydration container at said height of about one half of said depth X of said soil layer to maintain said mineral layer on top of said plurality of seeds and said soil layer.

32. (canceled)

33. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein porosity of said hydration barrier precludes passage of soil layer constituents or mineral layer constituents through said hydration barrier.

34. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein porosity of said hydration barrier filters microorganisms from liquid passing through said hydration barrier.

35. (canceled)

36. The apparatus of claim 19, further comprising: an enclosure having an enclosure side wall joining an enclosure top and an enclosure bottom defining an enclosure interior space adapted to receive said plurality of hydration containers: one or more fans coupled to said enclosure; and one or more light emitting elements coupled to said enclosure.

37-39. (canceled)

40. The apparatus of claim 36, further comprising a controller including a processor communicatively coupled to a non-transitory memory element, said memory element containing a controller program, said controller electronically coupled to one or more of: said pump, said one or more fans, and said one or more light emitting elements.

41. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein said program executable to activate said pump, said one or more fans, said one or more light emitting elements to operate during a pre-selected time duration or during pre-selected cyclic time durations.

42-138. (canceled)

Description

IV. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of the hydration tray and siphon and grow container assembly.

[0043] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of a pre-plant germination container.

[0044] FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of a cabinet style grow system with three hydration trays.

[0045] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of an optional air manifold embodiment.

[0046] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a mounting arrangement for the hydration, tray levelers, bell siphon and LED lights.

[0047] FIG. 6 is a rear elevation view of the reservoir closed loop filtering system.

[0048] FIG. 7 is a flow chart of control logic.

[0049] FIG. 8 is a close up view of the siphon mounting assembly.

[0050] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the siphon mounting assembly.

[0051] FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of a germination container with seeds (15 grams).

[0052] FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of the germination container with seeds and inoculated with a fungi and water.

[0053] FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of the germination container with the water drained and a sponge type additive (preferred coconut coir), four ounces by volume.

[0054] FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of a grow container with a layer of filler barrier and a bottom layer of top soil (20 mm depth) and a top layer of the germinated seed mixture of FIG. 12 added on top.

[0055] FIG. 14 is a top perspective view (with edge cross section) of a spray on step of mineral solution (sea water such as Sea-Crop).

[0056] FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of an alternate embodiment grow basket and tubular hydration tray.

[0057] FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view of the grow basket of FIG. 15.

[0058] FIG. 17 is a cross sectional view of an experiment to calibrate the flow rate of the filter barrier.

[0059] FIG. 18 is a front elevation view of a simple manually watered enclosure.

[0060] Before explaining the disclosed embodiment of the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the particular arrangement shown, since the invention is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

V. MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0061] Referring first to FIG. 1 a grow subsystem 1 can be replicated in a stack of two or more layers as shown in FIG. 3, grow enclosure 300. Each subsystem 1 comprises a hydration tray 3 with an outlet 20 having a Bell Siphon 7. Each hydration tray 3 can be wide enough, such as three grow containers 2. Nominal dimensions are D1=20 mm (soil depth), D2=10 mm (maximum water depth adjusted by height of Bell Siphon 7), D3=1 1, D4=10, D5=3. Each hydration tray 3 has an overhead LED light 4500.

[0062] The soil is preferably enriched potting soil with microbes and a coconut choir to enhance wicking. A watering cycle such as once a day is selected. Each hydration tray receives enough water to trigger the Bell Siphon 7, and the water is returned to the reservoir 201 shown in FIG. 3.

[0063] The water rises to about half the soil 6 depth. Then the water is wicked up to the top of the soil labeled TS. Each grow container is preferably made of plastic with about sixteen holes 5 on its bottom 4. The water cascades down from the top hydration tray to the lower hydration trays as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,917,867 which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0064] Organic soil goes aerobatic if it stays fully moist continuously. Therefore, the preferred watering cycle is about two minutes every 24 hours. The paper towel (no ply Sprouts brand or equivalent) 8 restricts most of the microbes in the soil 6 from reaching the reservoir 201. Without a microbe barrier 8, a timed hydration cycle and soil with good capillary propertiesmillions of microbes from the soil 6 would turn the reservoir anaerobic over time. An anaerobic reservoir would greatly hamper plant growth and create foul odors. Aquaponic systems using fish waste as a fertilizer require precise and costly anaerobic microbe controls, known as nitrification.

[0065] The present invention reservoir 201 holds about six gallons of water. It has stayed non-anaerobic for over two months of growing cycles.

[0066] The present invention does not use nutrients in the water, but uses organic nutrients in the soil 6.

[0067] In operation the hydration tray 3 fills up to just above the top of the Bell Siphon 7 in about two minutes. The Bell Siphon 7 starts its trigger level in about 90 seconds. By the time the cascading watering process is complete, only a few millimeters of water that has cone info contact with the soil in the grow container returns to the reservoir 201.

[0068] Referring next to FIG. 2 preferably the seeds 22 are placed in a germination container 23 with enriched with Mycorrhizal fungi which is added to a small amount of reservoir water. An overnight soaking is preferred.

[0069] Mycorrhizal Fungi 25 in FIG. 11 (Glomus intraradices, Glomus mosseae, Glamus aggregatum, Glomus etunicatum) are added to the seed at an average of (1.5 mm to 15 grams of seed) to ensure that every seed is inoculated during the hydration and germination process with the mycorrhizal spores. Seeds 22 turn into inoculated seeds 26 in FIGS. 11-14.

Note:

[0070] Mycorrhizal Fungi build symbiotic relationships that form between the fungi and plants. The fungi colonize the root system of a host plant, providing increased water and nutrient absorption capabilities while the plant provides the fungus with carbohydrates formed from photosynthesis.

[0071] The seed and Mycorrhizal Fungi are hydrated with magnetized water W from the reservoir 201 for 12 to 14 hours depending on seed variety. During this time the seed will increase in weight and size by 50%-60% from absorbing the water and the mycorrhizal fungi will have penetrate the hull of the seed and inoculate every seed. Adding mycorrhizal to soil alone will result in few seeds actually being inoculated because the seed must come into direct contact with the mycorrhizal spores for the spores to inoculate to seed.

Note:

[0072] The water in the reservoir is continuously cycled through two sets of magnets with the first set of magnets with repelling north poles forced together and a second set of magnets with the repelling south poles forced together to produce magnetized water in the reservoir. Reservoir water is used to hydrate the seeds (FIG. 2).

[0073] This planting method relates to a process that enhances the ability of the seed to germinate, absorb vital nutrients and flourish in a controlled environment to produce nutrient dense food in that controlled environment. All aspects of the growing process in which plants thrive have been considered and applied in a specific way so plants (microgreens) can produce a highly nutrient dense crop in an automatic and consistent fashion.

[0074] Magnetized water can raise germination rates 12%-13% and crop yields as much as 12%. The water in the reservoir also continuously passes through a series of spheres to gain structuring properties. Structured water is high in oxygen content which is essential to plant life. Moreover, watering using structured water provides better hydration to the plants since structured water better infiltrates the root system of plants, letting them absorb as many nutrients as they may need for growing. See FIG. 6. After the overnight soaking period, the water is drained from the seed. The seed is mixed with Coco Coir 60. See FIG. 12. The absorption barrier 8 is placed in tray 2. See FIG. 13. The soil is custom formulated for a stable PH level of 6.4, its wicking properties, ability to move water upward against gravity (capillarity, capillary motion) with high nutrient content fungi and microorganisms.

Ingredients:

OMRI Listed Coco Coir, OMRI Listed Perlite, Azomite, Calphos, Glacial Rock Dust, Kelp Meal, Oyster Shell, Dolomite Lime, Earthworm Castings, 100% Plant-based Compost, and Mycorrhizae.

[0075] The seed mixed with Coco Coir is placed in the tray 2 and hydrate with ionic mineral solution, 60 mm per tray, then place tray in growing unit 1 of FIG. 1. (ionic minerals are water soluble and ready to be used by the plants). The Coco Coir will absorb the mineral solution and hold it near the seeds being readily available to the seeds as the seeds germinate. It will not wash away from the seeds because the soil in the grow containers are hydrated from underneath and the water is pulled upward by the soils (capillary action) thus the minerals will be available for the seedlings for the entire growing cycle. No other fertilization is necessary. With the enhancements made to the water and soil, every seed has the optimal ingredients available in an organic form to grow a healthy nutrient dense crop, without any previous experience by the cultivator.

[0076] A mineral solution (Sea-Crop Concentrate or equivalent) is sprayed over the soil 6 once. This mineral solution spray is a soil microflora stimulant containing over 90 natural source trace minerals and active organic substances from Pacific Ocean Water (certified Organic by Washington State). See FIG. 14 with the mineral solution 28 in sprayer 27. The top soil TS has a wicking agent such as Coco Coir, peat moss.

[0077] Referring next to FIG. 3 a cabinet style grow enclosure 300 has nominal dimensions of D6=2 3, D7=48, D8=37, D9=5, D10=7, D11=8, (D12=2.25 (FIG. 1 height of grow tray 2)). Three grow trays 3 are supported in the enclosure 300. A top drawer 301 houses the electronic controls. An opening 33 provides access to the reservoir 201 for filling and maintenance. The fans (F1, F2, F3 FIG. 4) run continuously to prevent excess bacteria growth on the plants and cabinet (enclosure) surfaces. The LED lighting can be a 12 V DC strip of various colors such as made by too god tm and LE Lighting Ever, made in China. It is known in the art to select combinations of red, blue, and white frequency ideal for each plant. Nominally the controller C will cycle 14 hour days and 10 hour nights.

[0078] The pump P sends water up pipe 304 to outlet 305 above the top hydration tray 3. Cascading occurs as described above in FIG. 1.

[0079] Referring next to FIG. 4 a grow cabinet 300 has a rear manifold assembly 4700. Manifold M1 has entry port HI and exhaust fan F1 into exhaust manifold 4701 and out ports 4702, 4703, 4704,4705, 4706. Manifold M2 has fan F2, entry port H1, and exhausts into common exhaust manifold 4701. Manifold M3 has fan F3 entry port H3, and exhausts into common exhaust manifold 4701. Back panels 4777, 4778 seal the back of system 300 and have a front reflective surface 4779 for light propagation, see FIG. 3.

[0080] Referring next to FIG. 5 the hydration tray 3 of FIG. 1 is shown in a preferred exploded embodiment. L brackets 54 connect to the sides 4801, 4802 of the cabinet 300. PVC pipes 53 can be leveled by adjusting bolts 55. Pipes 53 support the grow tray 3. Blocks 52 could be glued under opposite edges of the grow tray 3. LED panel 90 has LED straps 9. The panel 90 is fastened to the blocks 52. The rear of panel 90 has a male connector 91 that fits into female connector 92 on the rear of cabinet 300 power hub 56 powers the female connector 92. The drain hole 333 receives the syphon collar 84 which supports the drain tubes 86, 87.

[0081] Referring next to FIG. 6 the reservoir 201 contains a closed loop water conditioning system 600. Arrows IN and OUT show a closed loop water conditioning flow route. A (12 V DC) pump 61 is usually run continuously. Solenoid valve 64 is closed except during the hydration cycle. For the hydration cycle valve 64 is opened to pump water via pump 61 up the tube 304. See drawing FIG. 6. The closed loop filtering system takes the water through pair of repelling north 62 and repelling magnets south 620. Next a tube full of (0.625 inch) glass spheres 63 causes turbulence called structured water. Next a filter 670 has activated carbon pellets 67. Next a foam screen 66 passes the water to filter sock 68. In use this water stays fresh for months.

[0082] Referring next to FIGS. 8, 9 the hydration tray 3 of FIG. 1 has outlet 20. A syphon collar 84 has an upper threaded cylindrical flange 820 with a nut 82 and washer 83 locking the collar 84 in place with ledge 840 compressed against the tray 3. The bottom 85 of the syphon 7 can be adjusted to a desired height along rubber gasket G. The water level WL height is controlled by the placement of the bottom 85. In a known manner as the water fills to the top 81 of the syphon 7 it falls down the bottom 85 and creates a syphon force SF which drains the tray 3 dry. The top 180 is removable. Stem 88 is a hole.

[0083] Referring next to FIGS. 15, 16 an alternate grow tray can be a pot 150. This pot 150 could be any shape such as round or square. A hydration tray 155, a PVC pipe would have holes 156 to receive the grow pot 150. The hydration tray 155 could be any shape such as round or square.

[0084] Referring next to FIG. 17 the barrier 8 is calibrated in a funnel FUN. About 20 mm of the top soil TS is placed on top of barrier 8 (paper is preferred). The diameter D30 is chosen to provide an exit port of the same area as all the holes 5 in FIG. 1. The barrier porosity is calibrated to let all the water escape in about five and a half minute S.

[0085] Referring next to FIG. 18 a low cost grow stand 1800 can be made with sides 4401, 4402 made of plywood or rigid shelving style plastic coated wires. Three hydration trays 9 are supported across the sides 4401, 4402 in any known manner such as L brackets 4403 with leveling bolts 4404. Each hydration tray has a central drain 4405 for a Bell Siphon 7 functioning as shown in FIG. 1 above each grow tray is a light 4500 (LED). The lights 4500 could be manually switched or programmed as shown in FIG. 7. The siphons 7 are axially aligned along axis AA with water bottle 4501.

[0086] In operation each hydration tray 9 has about three grow containers 2 as shown in FIG. 1. The water bottle 4501 can be filled with tap water to the fill line FL. Once a day the cultivator takes the bottle 4501 and pours it into top hydration tray 9. Due to the slow release of the filter barrier 8 and the holes 5 (FIG. 1), the water stays in the tray long enough to reach about half way up soil level, then wicking draws the water to the surface of the soil in the grow tray. The excess water cascades down to the tray below.

[0087] The bottle 4501 is placed below the lowest Bell Siphon 7 as shown, and all water not absorbed by the various grow containers returns to the bottle 4501. The cultivator fills the bottle 4501 to the fill level FL and repeats the watering process daily or as often as needed.

[0088] No fans are used. This simple grow stand uses the non-obvious soil and filter barrier hydration cycle disclosed above.

[0089] Referring next to FIG. 7 the basic flow logic of the FIG. 3 embodiment is shown.

[0090] A master power switch 70 controls a DC voltage (preferred) to all electronic components. A programmable relay 41 A sends power to lights 1, 2, 3 (item 73) through manual switches 72. This allows the grower to shut off one tray lighting for non-use or special plant considerations.

[0091] A programmable relay 71B could be set at a once a day two minute pump cycle for pump 76. A manual switch 72 would start an extra cycle whenever desired without altering the cycle set in programmable relay 71B. A manual switch 72 controls the continuously running circulation pump 77 for the reservoir 201 shown in FIG. 3 Fans 1, 2, 3 (items 78, 79, 80) are switched ON/OFF by manual switchers 72. They normally run continuously.

[0092] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the disclosed embodiments, numerous modifications and variations can be made and still the result will come within the scope of the invention. No limitation with respect to the specific embodiments disclosed herein is intended or should be inferred. Each apparatus embodiment described herein has numerous equivalents.