PLANT NURSERY AND STORAGE SYSTEM FOR USE IN THE GROWTH OF FIELD-READY PLANTS

Abstract

A plant nursery and storage system for use in the growth and storage of field-ready plants. At least one planting block with tapered planting cells therein and extending openly from the top surface to the bottom surface thereof is placed in a container holding water. Plant material placed in the planting cells, with or without planting media, will grow into field-ready plants. The growing plants will be sub-irrigated by accessing water through the open base of the planting cells contacting the water in the container. The sub-irrigation technique of the invention replaces industry standards of top irrigation and bottom aeration for plant production, and addresses high costs associated with current production methods in the production of field-ready trees, shrubs, forbs, perennials, vegetables and grasses.

Claims

1. A sub-irrigation plant nursery and storage system for use in the growth of field-ready plants, the system comprising: a. a container holding water; and b. at least one planting block within the container, having a top surface and a bottom surface and a plurality of planting cells extending therethrough from the top surface to the bottom surface, wherein each planting cell is tapered from a top aperture on the top surface to a bottom aperture on the bottom surface, the top aperture of each planting cell being larger than the bottom aperture thereof; wherein the at least one planting block is positioned in the container such that the bottom surface thereof is in contact with water in the container, such that plants growing within said planting block are completely irrigated from the bottom surface of the block and without the need for top irrigation; and wherein plant growth material placed within a planting cell to grow into at least one field-ready plant within the planting cell accesses water in the container through the bottom aperture of the planting cell.

2. The sub-irrigation plant nursery and storage system of claim 1 wherein the number of planting blocks is one.

3. The sub-irrigation plant nursery and storage system of claim 1 wherein the number of planting blocks is more than one.

4. The sub-irrigation plant nursery and storage system of claim 1 wherein at least one planting block is made of a non-buoyant material.

5. The sub-irrigation plant nursery and storage system of claim 4 wherein the non-buoyant planting blocks are suspended within the container by at least one block support.

6. The sub-irrigation plant nursery and storage system of claim 1 wherein at least one planting block is made of a buoyant material and can float in the water within the container.

7. The sub-irrigation plant nursery and storage system of claim 6 wherein the at least one buoyant planting block further comprises additional holes within or through the planting block, in addition to the planting cells.

8. The sub-irrigation plant nursery and storage system of claim 1 wherein the at least one planting block has a rectangular top surface.

9. The sub-irrigation plant nursery and storage system of claim 1 wherein the planting cells arranged in a linear grid pattern on the top surface of at least one planting block.

10. The sub-irrigation plant nursery and storage system of claim 1 wherein plant growth material is placed within a planting cell without planting media, and the at least one field-ready plant growing therefrom grows in the planting cell in air, without growing media.

11. The sub-irrigation plant nursery and storage system of claim 1 wherein plant growth material placed in a planting cell is placed in said planting cell along with planting media.

12. The sub-irrigation plant nursery and storage system of claim 11 wherein the planting media is soil.

13. The sub-irrigation plant nursery and storage system of claim 1 wherein the at least one planting block has a thickness between two inches to nine inches.

14. The sub-irrigation plant nursery and storage system of claim 1 wherein the planting cells have a volume in the range of eight millilitres to 3200 millilitres.

15. The sub-irrigation plant nursery and storage system of claim 1 wherein planting cells of more than one size are included in a planting block.

16. The sub-irrigation plant nursery and storage system of claim 1 wherein the container is an inground water reservoir.

17. The sub-irrigation plant nursery and storage system of claim 1 wherein the container is a manufactured container.

18. The sub-irrigation plant nursery and storage system of claim 16 wherein the container is portable.

19. The sub-irrigation plant nursery and storage system of claim 16 wherein the container is permanently installed.

20. The sub-irrigation plant nursery and storage system of claim 1 wherein the plant material is selected from the group of trees, shrubs, forbs, perennials, vegetables and grass.

21. The sub-irrigation plant nursery and storage system of claim 1 wherein more than one field-ready plant is grown within a planting cell.

22. The sub-irrigation plant nursery and storage system of claim 1 wherein the field-ready plants once grown within planting cells are stored and irrigated within the planting blocks until the transplanting of said plants to the field is desired.

23. A method of growing field-ready plants, the method comprising: a. providing a sub-irrigation plant nursery and storage system comprising: i. a container capable of holding water; and ii. at least one planting block placed within the container and having an top surface and a bottom surface and a plurality of planting cells extending therethrough from the top surface to the bottom surface, wherein each planting cell is tapered from a top aperture on the top surface to a bottom aperture on the bottom surface, the top aperture of a planting cell being larger than the bottom aperture thereof; wherein the bottom surface of the at least one planting block is in contact with water in the container, such that plants growing within said planting block are completely irrigated from the bottom surface of the block and without the need for top irrigation; and wherein plant growth material placed within a planting cell grows into at least one field-ready plant within the planting cell and accesses water in the container through the bottom aperture of the planting cell; b. in a planting step, placing plant growth material within planting cells in the at least one planting block; c. in a sub-irrigation step, placing water within the container such that the plant growth material within planting cells in the planting blocks can access the water through the bottom aperture of the planting cells; and d. monitoring and maintaining the water level within the container until field-ready plants are ready to be harvested from the planting cells.

24. The method of claim 22 wherein at least one planting block is made of a non-buoyant material.

25. The method of claim 23 wherein the non-buoyant planting blocks are suspended within the container by at least one block support.

26. The method of claim 22 wherein at least one planting block is made of a buoyant material and can float in the water within the container.

27. The method of claim 22 wherein plant growth material is placed within a planting cell without planting media, and the at least one field-ready plant growing therefrom grows in the planting cell in air, without growing media.

28. The method of claim 22 wherein in the planting step plant growth material placed in a planting cell is placed in said planting cell along with planting media.

29. The method of claim 27 wherein the planting media is soil.

30. The method of claim 22 wherein planting cells of more than one size are included in a planting block.

31. The method of claim 22 wherein the container is an inground water reservoir.

32. The method of claim 22 wherein the container is a manufactured container.

33. The method of claim 22 wherein the plant material is selected from the group of trees, shrubs, forbs, perennials, vegetables and grass.

34. The method of claim 22 wherein more than one field-ready plant is grown within a planting cell.

35. The method of claim 22 wherein no nutritional supplements are provided to plants within the planting cells beyond those contained in the water.

36. The method of claim 22 wherein nutritional supplements are provided to plants within the planting cells by addition of said nutritional supplements to the water within the container.

37. The method of claim 22 wherein nutritional supplements are provided to plants within the planting cells by application of said nutritional supplements to the planting cells via the top surface of the planting block.

38. The method of claim 22 further comprising a plant storage step wherein the field-ready plants once ready to be harvested are stored and irrigated within the planting blocks until the transplanting of said plants to the field is desired.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced:

[0037] FIG. 1 is a flowchart demonstrating the steps involved in one embodiment of the method of the present invention;

[0038] FIG. 2 is a flowchart demonstrating the steps involved in an alternate embodiment of the method of the present invention;

[0039] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the system of the present invention, in which the container is a small scale surface container holding a single planting block;

[0040] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a planting block in accordance with the present invention;

[0041] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the planting block of FIG. 1, demonstrating the tapered shape of the planting cells therein;

[0042] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the system of the present invention, in which the container is a manufactured large scale water pan;

[0043] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the system of the present invention, in which the container is a manufactured water pan with planting blocks deployed in a high density lane system therein;

[0044] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the system of the present invention in which the container comprises a series of continuous semi-independent segments of sub-irrigation trough of any length that can be used on the level or downslope in a manner that the entire series of segments can be filled with water from one end even if the series of trough segments is on tending down a slope;

[0045] FIG. 9 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 8; and

[0046] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the system of the present invention, in which the container is a natural pond.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

[0047] As outlined above, the general concept of the present invention is a sub-irrigation nursery system for use in the expedited and low cost production of field ready plants from planting material. Input costs and labour costs for irrigation and periodic attendance on the plants during the growth timeframe is minimized using the system and method outlined herein. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art reviewing this document that there are certain enhancements or modifications that could be made to certain elements of the method without departing from the scope of the intended coverage of this document and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are contemplated within the scope of the present invention.

[0048] Method Overview:

[0049] As outlined, the present invention consists of a system and method for the growth of field ready plants from plant material in a sub-irrigation nursery and storage system. Many different types of plants which are ready for field plant can be grown in accordance with the system and method outlined herein. The general concept of sub-irrigation of containerized plant growth material be used to produce field ready plants is a distinct and enhanced method over top irrigation methods currently used in the prior art.

[0050] The first step in the method of the present invention is the provision of a sub-irrigation plant nursery and storage system which comprises a container capable of holding water, and at least one planting block placed within the container and having a top surface and a bottom surface and a plurality of planting cells extending therethrough from the top surface to the bottom surface, wherein each planting cell is tapered from the top aperture on the top surface to the bottom apertures on the bottom surface, the top aperture of the planting so being larger than the bottom aperture thereof. The bottom surface of the at least one planting block is capable of contact with water within the container, such that plants growing within the planting block are completely irrigated from the bottom surface of the block and without the need for top irrigation. Plant growth material placed within a planting cell grows into at least one field ready plants within planting cell and accesses water in the container through the bottom aperture of the planting cell.

[0051] Using this system, the physical steps of the method of plant production in accordance with the invention outlined herein can now be discussed in further detail. We refer first to FIG. 1 which is a flow chart demonstrating the steps involved in a first embodiment of the method of the present invention. Shown at 1-1, plant growth material is placed within the planting cells in the at least one planting block, in a planting step. Following the planting step, in a sub-irrigation step water is placed within the container, such that plant growth material within the planting cells in the planting blocks can access the water through the bottom aperture of the planting cells. This step is shown at 1-2.

[0052] Once water is placed in the container, the water level within the container can be monitored and maintained until field ready plants are ready to be harvested from the planting cells. The monitoring and maintenance of the water level within the container is shown in step 1-3 in this flowchart. Once field ready plants are present in one or more of the planting cells in the at least one planting blocks, they can be harvested at the appropriate time by simply removing said field ready plants or plants potentially with a soil or growing media all around their roots, from the respective planting cellsnew plant growing material can be planted in the planting cells and further field ready plants prepared. Harvesting of the completed field ready plants and shown at step 1-4.

[0053] Labour and maintenance cost of the system used in this method is significantly minimized over prior art approaches, since all that needs to be done to irrigate all of the plants that are growing in the planting cells of the at least one planting block within the container is to simply ensure that there is enough water present within the container. Individual plants need not be watered as they passively obtain water through the sub-irrigation method.

[0054] The sub-irrigation plant nursery and storage system which is used in the method of the present invention could be the system of any embodiment demonstrated or enabled. And discussed in further detail below. For example, at least one planting block used within the container could be made of a non-buoyant material, and at least one planting block could be made of a buoyant material. In certain embodiments of the system used in the method, both buoyant and non-buoyant planting blocks could be used within the same container and system and all such approaches are contemplated within the scope of the invention as outlined herein.

[0055] Beyond providing an ability for the sub-irrigation of plant growing material to grow field ready plants, as is also outlined and enabled herein, the system and method of the present invention allows for the storage of the grown field ready plants until they are ready to be deployed, sold or used. The field ready plants can be stored in a live format, by simply leaving them in their respective planting cells in the planting blocks in question and continuing to maintain the water level within the container. Referring to the flowchart of FIG. 2 there is shown a flowchart of an alternate method in accordance with the present invention, wherein the basic steps of the plant growth method as shown in FIG. 1 are shown, but a storage step with respect to the field ready classes shown at step 2-1, where the grown field ready plants are stored within their planting cells in the planting blocks until they are required for use. It will be understood that there are modifications which could be made to the overall method disclosed, none of which will depart from the obvious and intended scope of the invention disclosure contained herein and all such modifications to the method or system of the present invention are intended to be considered within the scope hereof.

[0056] There are many variations on the method which are contemplatedfor example in addition to the possibility that both buoyant and non-buoyant planting blocks could be used in a single system in accordance with the method of the present invention will also be understood that in some cases plant growth material which is placed in a planting cell would be placed in the planting cell along with planting media. The planting media could be soil or some other type of a nursery mix as would be known to those skilled in the art of greenhouse plant production and all such modifications or enhancements are contemplated within the scope of the present invention. It will be also understood that in certain cases, plant growing material could be placed within planting cells without any growing media and effectively grown in air. The growth of field ready plants either with or without growing media, or in some cases with some plant material being placed in planting cells in a planting block with growing media and others without, are all approaches which are contemplated within the scope of the present invention.

[0057] It will also be understood that one or more field ready plants could be grown within a single planting cell in a planting block, depend upon the nature or type of the plant, the size of the planting cell etc. Again all such approaches and modifications as will be understood to those skilled in the art of plant production are contemplated within the scope hereof.

[0058] Having reviewed the method of the present invention in detail as to its steps and execution, we will now review the actual sub-irrigation nursery and storage system and its components in further detail.

[0059] Sub-Irrigation Nursery System:

[0060] The sub-irrigation plant nursery and storage system of the present invention comprises two key components. The first key component of the system is a container capable of holding water. The container could either be an inground water container reservoir, or a manufactured container which could be on or in the ground surface. In the case of an inground water container the ground water container which could be used might actually be a pre-existing or manufactured to purpose water pond or ground reservoir, or else an inground reservoir with walls such as a pool or the like could also be used.

[0061] Any container capable of holding water during the irrigation and plant production method of the present invention, and holding the at least one planting block as outlined in further detail herein, is contemplated within the scope of the present invention.

[0062] The second component of the system of the present invention is at least one planting block which can be placed within the water holding container. The at least one planting block will each have a top surface of the bottom surface with a plurality of planting cells extending therethrough, from the top surface to the bottom surface. Planting cells are tapered from a wider top aperture at the top surface to a narrower bottom aperture at the bottom surface. Plants growing within the planting cells can access water within the container via the bottom aperture of their planting cell.

[0063] The most likely embodiments of the system of the present invention would comprise a plurality of planting blocks used within a larger water holding container. Planting blocks might be held in place in vertical relation to the bottom surface of the container and within the water in the container, or in relation to the entire container capacity, by supports, guides or the like. The addition of such supports or guides to hold the planting blocks in place either within the larger water holding container, to hold them in position in relation to the walls of the container, or to hold one or more of the planting blocks in a particular vertical position above the bottom of the container so that water access to the bottom apertures of the planting cells was enhanced, are all contemplated within the scope hereof.

[0064] FIG. 3 shows one basic embodiment of the sub-irrigation plant nursery and storage system of the present invention. There is shown a container 1 which can hold water, with one planting block 2 therein. Planting block 2 includes a rectilinear grid pattern planting cells 3 thereon. If the planting block 2 was buoyant, as water was placed in the container 1 planting block 2 would float on top of or near the surface of the water. Alternatively, if the planting block 2 was not buoyant it may stay near the bottom surface of the container 1 and water placed in the container would need to access the bottom apertures of the planting cells 3 by osmosis under the outer edges of the planting block 2, or the planting block may also be manufactured in such a way that channels would be allowed for the flow of water thereunder.

[0065] Water is placed in the container 1, once plant growing material is placed in the planting cells 3. The plant growing material or plants growing within the planting cells 3 access the water in the container 1 through the bottom apertures of their respective planting cells. Water is maintained within the container 1. Individual plants need not be watered. Once the plants within the planting cells are field ready they can either be immediately removed for planting or deployment, or they can be stored indefinitely within the planting blocks, so long as they do not outgrow the planting cells, so long as water is maintained within the container 1.

[0066] The system of the present invention will allow for the densification of the production of field ready plants in reasonably compact land footprints. Labour cost is minimized during plant production, since the only irrigation labour which is required is to intermittently top up the water level within the container rather than needing to water individual plants in planting cells in the planting blocks in question.

[0067] Planting Block:

[0068] FIGS. 4 and 5 demonstrate one embodiment of the planting block in accordance with the present invention. The planting block 2 is contemplated to be any type of a block of material which planting cells 3 can be made or machined in accordance with the remainder of the design. As outlined elsewhere herein, the planting block 2 could either be a buoyant material which would float in the water within the container 1 of the system, or alternatively the planting block 2 could be a non-buoyant material.

[0069] For the purpose of the description of many of the other parameters of the planting block 2, the top surface 8 and the bottom surface 9 of the planting block 2 are also marked in this Figure.

[0070] As outlined throughout this document, the planting block 2 contains a plurality of planting cells 3. The planting cells 3 are each an aperture extending through the planting block 2, from the top surface 8 to the bottom surface 9, within which field ready plants can be grown. Each planting cell 3 consists of an approximately tubular aperture, with a larger top aperture that a bottom aperture, resulting in a narrowing taper from the top surface 8 to the bottom surface 9. The planting cells 3 as are shown in this Figure are arranged in a grid pattern allowing for the dance planting of a large number of quantities of plant growing material in the planting block 2, for the dance production of a large number of field ready plants therein.

[0071] Shown in the planting block 2 of this figure are also three plants, at various stages of growth, in three of the planting cells 3. These plants are shown at 4A, 4B and 4C, from smallest to most complete growth.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 5 there is shown a cutaway detail of two planting cells 3 within the planting block 2 as shown in FIG. 4. The planting cells 3 are shown. The top aperture 6 is shown along with the bottom aperture 7, demonstrating the narrowing taper of the planting cell 3. Also shown is a plant 4, growing within growing media 5 within the other planting cell 3 shown in this Figure.

[0073] As outlined elsewhere herein, the planting block 2 could be buoyant in which case it would float in the water within a container of the system of the present invention, or could also be non-buoyant. In the case of a non-buoyant planting block 2 it may be desired to place a frame or support of some kind beneath the non-buoyant planting block to elevate it above the lower surface and interior of the container to allow for easier access of water from the container to the bottom apertures of the planting cells therein. Alternatively the water may be simply like to see or creep under the outer edges of the bottom surface 9 of the planting block in a non-buoyant arrangement.

[0074] Where the planting block 2 was buoyant it would float in the water within a container in accordance with the system of the present invention. Both buoyant and non-buoyant planting blocks 2 are contemplated within the scope of the present invention.

[0075] The planting block 2 could be of many shapes and sizes. Most of the planting blocks 2 which are shown in the Figures and which are anticipated would be used would likely be rectangular in shape, on the top surface, since rectangular or at least rectilinear shaped planting blocks would be the easiest shape to use the most dense population of planting blocks within a container in the system of the present invention. However, beyond the rectangular planting blocks which are shown really any shape of planting block could be used. More than one shape of planting block could also be used in one system of the present invention.

[0076] In addition to the outer circumference or shape of the planting block, the planting block could be of varying thicknesses. The thickness of the planting block would be dictated primarily by the type of field ready plants which it was desired to grow in accordance with that particular planting block in the system. For example, smaller plants grown from smaller samples of plant growth material could be grown in a thinner planting block which would mean that the planting cells themselves would be shallower. As in the case of planting blocks of various shapes, planting blocks of varying thicknesses could be used in the system of the present invention where more than one planting block was used. It is specifically contemplated that at least one planting block in the system might have a thickness between 2 inches and 9 inches although it will be understood dependent upon the type of plant material being used or the field-ready plants it is sought to produce that thicknesses even outside of this range could also be used without departing from the scope and intention of the present invention.

[0077] In addition to the overall shape, and the thickness, there are other parameters of the at least one planting block which should also be varied dependent upon the use or desired outcome with the system and method of the present invention. For example, the planting cells could be of varying diameters. Planting cells within even a single planting block will be of the same diameter and shape, or they could vary such that there were some smaller and some larger planting cells within a particular planting block. In addition to the diameter or as a result of the diameter of round planting cellsthere could also be planting cells in a particular planting block which are not round that were desired so long as the taper from the top to the bottom was achievedthe volume of the planting cells could vary depending upon the amount of growing media that it was desired to place into a cell, the size of the plant growth material which will be used to start the field ready plants produced, or the size of the root ball it is desired to accommodate within the planting cell once the field ready plant is completed. In the most desirable currently conceived embodiments, planting cells would have a volume in the range of 8 mL to 3200 mL, although it will be understood that a planting cell with virtually any volume will be contemplated to be within the scope of the present invention and related the volume of the planting cell is primarily driven by the parameters of the growing operation it is desired to conduct within that particular planting block. Planting cells of more than one size or internal volume could be used in a single planting block if it were desired to provide the ability to grow multiple types of plants in a single planting block or for other purposes. It will be understood that either using a planting block that has consistent and identical planting cells throughout, or multiple sites planting cells, are both contemplated within the scope of the present invention.

[0078] In terms of the taper of the planting cells from the top surface to the bottom surface of the planting block, the inner walls of the planting cell could taper down consistently all the way from the top surface of the bottom surface, or as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 4 the taper could be introduced to restrict the bottom of the planting cell by simply placing a tapered closure towards the bottom surface. Any such approach, so long as it relies upon a larger top aperture than a bottom aperture to a planting cell is contemplated to be within the scope of the present invention.

[0079] As outlined herein, the planting cells could be aligned in any number of different types of brand are more organized patterns on the surface of at least one planting block. It is specifically contemplated that for the purpose of generating the capability for the most dense planting pattern, a linear grid pattern for the planting cells would be the likely best approach, but any type of the arrangement or pattern of the planting cells on the surface of the planting block will be understood to be within the scope of the present invention.

[0080] Conventional polystyrene planting blocks could be used within the system of the present invention, or a custom manufactured planting block can also be created for use in accordance with the system outlined herein. In addition to the system and the method outlined herein, it is also expressly contemplated that the at least one planting block itself, as described herein for use in the system and method is also a patentable and distinct freestanding aspect of the present invention.

[0081] Container:

[0082] The second key element of the system of the present invention is a container capable of holding water. The container capable of holding water will be used to define the location of the at least one planting block used in accordance with the system of the present invention as well as to provide a water reservoir into which the at least one planting block of the system can be placed and from which sub-irrigation can be achieved of the various plants being grown in planting cells, through their bottom apertures. In the simple single planting block embodiment of the system of the present invention shown in FIG. 3 a container 1 is shown. Any type of a container capable of retaining water for use in the remainder of the system and method of the present invention is contemplated to be within the scope of the present invention, including inground or naturally occurring containers, or alternatively manufactured containers.

[0083] A manufactured container might be manufactured by excavation, in the context of an inground water container reservoir, or might also be a container for placement on or within a ground surfacefor example which could be assembled on site and be portable or permanently installed. Any type of a container which can hold a sufficient quantity of water in its base to allow for the sub-irrigation method of the present invention to function when at least one planting block in accordance with the remainder of the present invention is placed therein is contemplated within the scope hereof. The next series of Figures disclose a number of different embodiments of the system of the present invention which are now discussed in further detail.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 6, the system is shown in which the container comprises a manufactured about ground container which is a larger scale water patent and the single block container shown in the embodiment of FIG. 3. The container 1 in this embodiment is an aboveground frame 1A with a waterproof liner 1B showing therein. Five planting blocks 2 are shown. Only the first planting block 2 has the planting cells 3 demonstrated therein, but as will be understood in accordance with the remainder of the specification, each of the planting blocks 2 would include a plurality of planting cells 3 therein in which field ready plants could be produced. The bottom surface 9 of the planting blocks 2 can also be seen, as is the bottom surface of the container 10. In this case, given the stationing of the bottom surface 9 of the planting blocks 2 above the bottom surface 10 of the container 1, it can be inferred from this Figure that the planting blocks 2 which are shown in this embodiment are buoyant, floating within the water 11 which is shown.

[0085] FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the system of the present inventionin which actually four containers 1 are shown. The embodiment of the system shown in this Figure is intended to show a high density installation in which lanes for access are created between the containers.

[0086] Four containers 1 are shown, and in the first container 1 a sample of a planting block 2 with a plurality of planting cells therein is demonstrated. The grid patterns drawn on the containers 1 demonstrate all of the planting blocks 2 which could be placed in a single container 1. Given that they mention of the grid shown in each container 1 namely 408, 320 planting blocks 2 could be deployed in a single container 1 of this nature. The gridlines shown in the container 1 might also comprise ropes or other supports which could be used to retain the planting blocks 2 in question in their desired positions within the container 1.

[0087] While the system of the present invention eliminates the need for very much access by operators to individual planting blocks during the production cycle, the placement of lanes between containers of this size would enhance the ability to access the growth surface of the container as might be required. Three lanes 12 are shown, the centre one of which demonstrates a truck therein, and the top and bottom ones of which show an individual walking down the lane.

[0088] Each container 1 being waterproof in its interior, the only thing that needs to be done to irrigate all of the plants and all 320 planting blocks is to simply pour water into the container of a sufficient level to allow for the bottom apertures and bottom surfaces of the planting blocks 2 to access the water within the container 1.

[0089] FIG. 8 demonstrates another embodiment of the system of the present invention in which the container 1 comprises four individual containers, or a four-part container, which can be used on a slope or terrace. It can be seen that a single water spigot 14 can be used to fill the water level you and in all four containers by simply pouring the water 11 into the top container 1-1 from where it can cascade down into the other three containers 1-2, 1-3 and 1-4. This further simplifies the process of filling the water 11 within the container 1 in accordance with the remainder of the method of the present invention.

[0090] Each of the four sub-containers shown in this Figure includes four planting blocks 2. The planting cells are again only diagrammed in the first planting block but it will be understood that there would be similar planting cells in each planting block 2. Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 7, the embodiment shown in this Figure could also be executed in a larger scale such that more than one row of planting blocks 2 or a longer row of planting blocks 2, could be deployed within a particular portion of the container 1.

[0091] FIG. 9 is a top view of the embodiment of the system of FIG. 8.

[0092] A system in accordance with the present invention could even in certain embodiments comprise a plurality a planting blocks positioned or restrained in position within a naturally occurring water reservoir or container. For example buoyant planting blocks could be deployed, in a grid or other pattern, within a naturally occurring water container such as a pond or the like, which would allow for one of the simplest deployments of a system in accordance with the method outlined herein. Even a naturally occurring or an excavated ground depression capable of holding a sufficient quantity of water for the sub-irrigation to be effective could be a desirable approach to be taken and the deployment of a plurality of planting blocks in accordance with the remainder of the present invention in this type of a naturally occurring or minimal requirements ground reservoir is explicitly contemplated to be within the intended scope of the system and the present invention outlined herein.

[0093] FIG. 10 demonstrates an embodiment of the system of the present invention such as this, in which the planting blocks 2 are deployed in a pattern within a container 1 which is a natural pond. The pond 1 is the container as outlined in the claims in the remainder of the description herein. A plurality of planting blocks 2 is shown on the surface of the pond 1. It is explicitly contemplated in the context of this type of container 1 that supports or ropes or the like would be used, regardless of whether the planting blocks 2 were buoyant or non-buoyant, to either replace or retain in position the planting blocks 2 on the surface of the container 1. In this case of plurality of ropes are contemplated to be used in conjunction with buoyant planting blocks. The ropes or supports 15 are shown in two horizontal positions across the pond container 1the planting blocks 2 could simply be placed into the pond 1 such that they would float and be retained between those supports 15 in one direction. It is also possible that the gridlines down each side of each row of planting blocks 2 might also comprise additional ropes or supports 15 for the sake of retaining the planting blocks 2 even more closely in the desired position. Retention of the planting blocks 2 in only one direction by a unidirectional set of supports 15 is likely in most embodiments sufficient since beyond retaining the planting blocks 2 and general position, it likely is not necessary to maintain them in a precise floating pattern on the surface of the container 1.

[0094] It is explicitly contemplated that the deployment of the system and method of the present invention using a plurality of buoyant planting blocks within a natural pond or water body, retained in one or both directions on the surface of the water with the water body by one or more supports, comprises a complete system embodiment of the present invention which is patentable in accordance with the remainder of the disclosure herein.

[0095] Supports:

[0096] Supports could be used to support the at least one planting block in position within the container of the present invention. For example, if the at least one planting block was non-buoyant, it may be desired to provide a support that would support the at least one planting block above the bottom surface of the container to allow for easier access of water into the bottom apertures of planting cells therein. The supports could either consist of a frame or legs or the like placed below the planting blocks, or depending upon the nature of the container the supports for positioning the planting blocks within the container might also be frame members of the like which hung down or in proximity from the top of the container such that the planting blocks were defined in their positions by hanging down from this type of support rather than being supported from their base. Top-down supports such as this can also be used to define the position of buoyant planting blocks within the water containerfor example defining ratings of planting blocks between which operator access to be insured or the like. The use of supports below the bottom surface of the planting blocks, or top-down hanging supports which either defined the vertical position of the planting blocks within the container or the positioning of the planting blocks in relation to others within the container are all contemplated within the scope hereof.

[0097] It will be apparent to those of skill in the art that by routine modification the present invention can be optimized for use in a wide range of conditions and application. It will also be obvious to those of skill in the art that there are various ways and designs with which to produce the apparatus and methods of the present invention. The illustrated embodiments are therefore not intended to limit the scope of the invention, but to provide examples of the apparatus and method to enable those of skill in the art to appreciate the inventive concept.

[0098] Those skilled in the art will recognize that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms comprises and comprising should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced.