SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING A PLANT

Abstract

A system (100) for producing a plant (35), the system having an indoor environment, a plurality of plant holders (1) for growing and transporting a plant therein, a controller (105) for at least controlling temperature and humidity in the indoor environment. The plant holder has a semi-permeable foil (20) defining a non-planar boundary of an interior space and an exterior space, a reservoir (2), having an amount of liquid for feeding the plant. The reservoir (2) and the semi-permeable foil (20) are arranged to allow the plant to grow in the interior space. The semi-permeable foil (20) has permeation of water vapor.

Claims

1. A system for producing a plant, the system comprising: an indoor environment; a plurality of plant holders for growing and transporting a plant therein; a controller for at least controlling temperature and humidity in the indoor environment; and wherein the plant holder comprises: a semi-permeable foil defining a non-planar boundary between an interior space of the plant holder and an exterior space; a reservoir, confining an amount of liquid in the interior space for feeding the plant, wherein the reservoir and the semi-permeable foil are arranged to allow the plant to grow in the interior space, wherein the semi-permeable foil as permeation of water vapor and air.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the semi-permeable foil comprises: a first surface area defining a first portion of the non-planar boundary; and a second surface area defining a second portion of the non-planar boundary, wherein the first portion of the non-planar boundary is arranged to allow water vapor to exit the interior space, and the second portion of the non-planar boundary is arranged to allow air to enter from the exterior space, wherein the first surface area and the second surface area are not co-planar.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the semi-permeable foil comprises: a first group of perforations, arranged on a first surface area; and a second group of perforations, arranged on a second surface area, wherein the first surface area and the second surface area intersect at an angle between 60 and 135.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the semi-permeable foil is arranged to cover at least 80% surface area of a complete boundary between interior space of the plant holder and the exterior space.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the semi-permeable foil has a thickness and comprising perforations forming a plurality of tunnels, wherein a ratio of a square-root of an area of a perforation and the thickness of the semi-permeable foil is between 0.6 and 1.35.

6. The system according to claim 1, further comprising an air flow generator, arranged to create a laminar flow on at least two surface areas of the non-planar boundary.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the semi-permeable foil and the controller is arranged to allow water vapor to pass the non-planar boundary at a controlled rate, such that the amount of liquid in the interior space decreases in a rate of 10-30 ml per 24 hours.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the semi-permeation foil comprises perforations uniformly distributed perforations, each perforation preferably having an open area in a range between 0.002-0.035 mm.sup.2.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein the system is arranged without a water supplier for feeding the plants from the exterior space.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein the plant holder is arranged to allow changing a volume of the interior space for providing at least: a first growing mode, wherein the interior space has a first volume for growing a plant at a first stage; and a second growing mode, wherein the interior space has a second volume for growing the plant at a second stage, wherein preferably a ratio between the first volume and the second volume is less than 1/2.

11. The system according to claim 1, wherein the foil is arranged to allow changing a volume of the interior space by applying a pressure or exerting a force on the semi-permeable foil.

12. A method for producing a plant in an indoor environment, the method comprising: providing a plurality of plant holders in the indoor environment; growing a plant in an interior space of the plant holder; adjusting and/or maintaining temperature in the indoor environment for growing the plant in a predetermined temperature range; wherein the plant holder comprises: a semi-permeable foil defining a non-planar boundary of the interior space and an exterior space of the plant holder; and a reservoir, confining an amount of liquid in the interior space for feeding the plant, wherein the semi-permeable foil has permeation of water vapor and air.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the method further comprises transporting the plant holder having the grown plant in the interior space of the plant holder to a place for sale.

14. The method according to claim 12, wherein growing the plant comprises two or more stages, the method comprising: a first growing stage, in which the plant grows in the interior space having a first volume; enlarging the interior space to a second volume and a second growing stage, in which the plant grows in the interior space having the second volume.

15. The method according to claim 12, wherein providing the plant holders comprises: filling the liquid into the reservoir; sterilizing the plant holder; closing the reservoir; providing an injector plug, the injector plug comprising the plant or a seed of the plant; plugging the injector plug into the reservoir for forming a passage for supplying the liquid from the reservoir to the plant; and providing the semi-permeable foil for forming the interior space for enclosing the injector plug.

16. A plant holder, comprising: a reservoir having therein an amount of liquid; a separation for defining a boundary of a space in the reservoir to contain the liquid in the space; a semi-permeable foil defining a non-planar boundary of an interior space for growing a plant and an exterior space of the plant holder, the semi-permeable foil being permeable to water vapor and air, and arranged to block pathogens, the semi-permeable foil having at least two surface areas that are non planar with respect to each other.

17. The plant holder according to claim 16, wherein the reservoir comprises one or more plug stands, extending from a bottom of the reservoir for accepting the tip of an injector plug, wherein the plug stand comprises a recess for accommodating the tip of the injector plug.

18. The plant holder according to claim 16, comprising two or more modes comprising: a pre-growing mode for transporting to an indoor environment for growing the plant; and/or a first growing mode, in which the plant grows in the interior space having a first volume; and/or a second growing mode, in which the plant grows in the interior space having the second volume, wherein, in the pre-growing mode, the semi-permeable foil and the reservoir are arranged to define a plant growing space and a liquid storing space, separated by the separation, wherein the plant growing space comprises an injector plug, provided with a seed or a sprout, for seeding or planting the plant, wherein, in the first growing mode and/or the second growing mode, an injector plug extends from the plant growing space into the liquid storing space; and forms a passage for supplying the liquid to the plant from the liquid storing space to the plant in the plant growing space.

19. The plant holder according to claim 16, wherein the semi-permeable foil comprises: a first group of perforations, arranged on a first surface area; a second group of perforations, arranged on a second surface area.

20. The plant holder according to claim 16, wherein the semi-permeable foil has a thickness and comprising perforations forming a plurality of tunnels, wherein a ratio of a square-root of an area of a perforation and the thickness of the semi-permeable foil is between 0.6 and 1.35.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0162] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, and in which:

[0163] FIG. 1 schematically shows a system for producing a plant in an indoor environment.

[0164] FIG. 2 shows a sub assembly of an injector plug with substrate and plant material;

[0165] FIG. 3 shows a partially cut away perspective view of a first embodiment of a plant holder according to the present disclosure;

[0166] FIG. 4 shows a detail of the embodiment in FIG. 1 in accordance with arrow II therein;

[0167] FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B show side sectional views of a second embodiment of a plant holder according to the present disclosure in distinct operational states;

[0168] FIG. 6 shows an alternative sub assembly of an injector plug;

[0169] FIGS. 7A-B presents perspective views of embodiments according to an aspect of the invention;

[0170] FIGS. 8A-8C show perspective views of embodiments according to an aspect of the invention;

[0171] FIGS. 9A-9B shows a side sectional view of a further embodiment of a plant holder according to a further aspect of the invention;

[0172] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the plant holder according to FIG. 9A; and

[0173] FIGS. 11A and 11B show cross-sectional views of another embodiment of a plant holder according to an aspect of the invention.

[0174] FIGS. 12A-12F show a flow chart of an embodiment from an initial preparation of a plant holder to a stage where the plant is fully grown.

[0175] The figures are meant for illustrative purposes only, and do not serve as restriction of the scope or the protection as laid down by the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0176] FIG. 1 shows a system 100 for producing a plant in an indoor environment. In the embodiment shown, the system 100 comprises a cabin 101, a plurality of plant holders 1, a controller 105 and a light source 106. The cabin should be arranged in an indoor-environment, e.g. a room with a floor and walls, with a door and a ceiling. The cabin comprises a plurality of layers/stacks for arranging the plant holders at different heights (e.g. more than 15 plant holders per m.sup.3), and is preferably equipped with wheels. The controller 105 may function as a temperature controller, and/or a humidity controller, and/or an air flow generator for generating a laminar flow on a surface of the plant holder. The system 100 may comprise a plurality of cabins 101. In an embodiment, the system comprises more than 100,000 plant holders.

[0177] The plant holder 1 comprises a plant 35, semi-permeable foil defining a non-planar boundary of an interior space and an exterior space, and a reservoir 2, confining an amount of liquid in the interior space for feeding the plant. In the embodiment shown, the semi-permeable foil is made in a form of a bag 21. Plural plant holders may share the same exterior space. In the embodiment shown, the semi-permeable foil defines the complete boundary of the interior space. The reservoir is thus arranged in the interior space. In another embodiment, the reservoir defines a boundary of the interior space. The semi-permeable foil and the reservoir 2 may both have a changeable shape (e.g. made of a flexible self-supporting material). A tray may be arranged under the plant holder for defining a shape of the semi-permeable foil and the reservoir. A water level in the reservoir 2 may be be adjusted by putting the plant holder on a different tray.

[0178] The system 100 is arranged to grow plants in isolated interior spaces in the plant holders 1, by using a pre-determined amount of liquid confined in the interior space (e.g. in the reservoir 2), without feeding with extra liquid from the exterior space throughout the growth of the plant, e.g. from cultivation through to offering to sale.

[0179] The controller 105 may be fixedly disposed in the space defined by cabin 101. The controller 105 may be plate-like and may be connected to a heating/cooling system to enable regulation of the temperature in cabin 1. In an embodiment the temperature controller 105 is hollow for the purpose of throughflow with a heat transfer medium. Additionally or alternatively, an electrical heating element may be used, which can be connected to an electrical power supply. In an embodiment, an electrical heating element is arranged in or on the plate-like controller 105, likewise to enable regulation of the temperature in cabin 1. The controller 105 can be of the type as mainly known from WO-00/08922 and/or WO-2009/014422. As known from said publications, such a temperature controller can be utilized for heating, cooling and air distribution.

[0180] When growing a plant 35, the temperature should be set within a ranges to keep the plant healthy. The system 100 may comprise a ventilator, a heater, a cooler (and/or an air conditioning, etc) for optimizing and keeping the temperature precisely during the whole growth. The optimized temperature range depends on a type of the plant. For example, for lettuce the preferred temperature range may be set in a range between 15 C. and 20 C. In general the temperature may be set in a range between 15 C. and 25 C. for growing the plant. A humidity controller, which may be integrated with the temperature 105 or as a stand-alone controller, may be provided.

[0181] The plant generally consumes the liquid and releases water vapor in the interior space. The semi-permeable foil 20 and the controller 105 may be arranged to allow water vapor to pass the non-planar boundary at a controlled rate, (e.g. by adjusting the temperature in the indoor-environment, the humidity in the exterior space, and/or the permeation of water of the semi-permeable foil 20), e.g. such that the amount of liquid in the interior space decreases in a rate of 10-30 ml per 24 hours, and/or such that the interior space has a relative humidity more than 10% RH than a relative humidity in the exterior space. In an embodiment, relative humidity is less than 65% RH in the exterior space and is more than 75% RH in the interior space. Preferably, the humidity in the interior space is in a range of 90-95% RH, and is lower than 50, 55 or 60% RH in the exterior space. In general, fungi may start to grow when the humidity is higher than 65% RH. Keeping the humidity in the exterior space sufficiently lower than this this value (e.g. 55% RH) may be desired. The system 100 may comprise a ventilator (now shown) for releasing water vapor from the exterior space to an out-door environment. To maintain a low humidity (e.g. 55% RH), a power of the ventilator may need to be increased comparing to higher humidity (e.g. 60% RH).

[0182] Light fittings 106 may be arranged on either side of a temperature controller 105. Light fittings 106 can be formed as profiles with LED light sources therein. When LED light sources are used, the wavelength or the frequency of the light can usually be chosen or set accurately for the photo synthesis process.

[0183] FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of an injector plug 11 for planting or seeding the plant, e.g. in the system 100 and/or in the plant holder 1. In the embodiment shown, the injector plug 11 comprises a hollow 19 for carrying a seed or a plant, a housing defining a space 18 for accommodating a plant substrate 15 or a wick string, and a rigid tip 14. The injector plug 11 may comprise a ring 12 functioning as a stop when the injector plug is inserted through a surface.

[0184] The housing may be arranged in a form of a plurality of downward oriented legs 13, converging at the tip 14. A gap between the downward oriented legs 13 may be arranged to allow the liquid to be supplied to the seed 16 (or a plant germinated from the seed 16). A further ring 17 may be accommodated on or attached to ring 12 for fixing/coupling the plant substrate 15 or the wick string, e.g. to keep the block of substrate 15/wick string in place in the space 18.

[0185] In an embodiment where a rolled up wick string is accommodated in the injector plug 11, an end of such a string may contact plant material on top of the foil or plate 4 (not shown).

[0186] FIG. 3 shows a cut-away sectional view of an embodiment of a plant holder 1. The plant holder 1 comprises a reservoir 2 confining an amount of liquid 3, a closing cap (e.g. an inverted bowl 6) for defining a non-planar boundary of an interior space of the plant holder 1, and an injector plug 11. The injector plug 11 may include features as described above under FIG. 2. In the embodiment shown, once the injector plug 11c is plugged into the reservoir, the tip 14 is immersed in the liquid for supplying the liquid to the seed 16 or the plant grown from the seed 16, as shown in arrow A2.

[0187] The reservoir 2 may comprise a separation (e.g. a foil or plate 4), arranged to define a closed liquid space. Such a foil or plate may form the separation between the liquid space in the reservoir 2 and a room above the foil or plate 4. This room above the soil or plate 4 is enclosed by the closing cap. The closing cap may be a semi-permeable foil or in the form of an inverted bowl 6. The foil or plate 4, forming the separation, is preferably essentially impermeable to fluid, pathogens, other contaminations such as micro-organisms. The separation may be permeable to water vapor and/or oxygen.

[0188] The liquid 3 may be water or any other suitable liquid, potentially containing additives like nutrients, herbicides and/or pesticides, or the like.

[0189] The foil or plate 4 may comprise recesses 10 forming accommodations for the injector plugs 11, of which three are shown in FIG. 3. The three injector plugs 11a-c are shown in FIG. 3 in distinct stages of being inserted into (through) the foil or plate 4 at the recesses 10 of the foil or plate 4.

[0190] An embodiment of seeding or planting by using the injector plug 11 is also shown in FIG. 3. The rightmost injector plug 11c is fully depressed into or through the foil or plate 4 to a position, where ring 12 abuts the foil or plate 4. Only when the material at the base of recesses 10 is breached by the inserting movement of injector plug 11, will water or other liquid in the reservoir 2 be able to reach substrate 15, whereby germination of the seed 16 in the injector plug 11 is initiated.

[0191] If a rigid bowl 6 is used as the closing cap, when inserting any one, more than one or all of the injector plugs 11 in the configuration of FIG. 3 through the foil or plate 4, the bowl 6 needs to be lifted up. Thereafter, an end user, consumer or professional grower has a choice which one, more than one or whether all of the injector plugs 11a are desired to be pressed through the bases of the recesses 10, through the foil or plate 4, to allow water to reach the substrate 15 and two thereby initiate germination of seed 16 or growth development of the plant material in general in the injector plugs 11a.

[0192] The recesses 10, each for accommodating one of the injector plugs 11, are each oriented to extend into the reservoir and are normally closed, which is to say that water 3 in reservoir 2 is unable to penetrate into recesses 10 and is consequently also unable to reach the substrate 15. This is the situation of the left most injector plug 11a in FIG. 3. The left most injector plug 11a may be raised out of the recess 10 and rests on material at a basis of the recess 10. When the injector plug 11a is pressed into the recess 10, the beginning of which is shown for the middle injector plug 11b, a weakening, tear line, (e.g. as shown in FIG. 8A) or another equivalent feature, defining a breakthrough position in conjunction with the recess 10 itself, is strained to the point of tearing or breaking and allowing the injector plug 11b to be inserted through the foil or plate 4, as depicted for the rightmost injector plug 11c in FIG. 3. The recesses and more in particular the tear or break lines therein define an intended position for inserting the injector plugs 11 into the reservoir 2.

[0193] Before insertion of the injector plugs through the recesses 10 in particular and through the foil or plate 4 in general, the recesses should be watertight, including the break or tear lines arranged or provided therein.

[0194] FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of closing off the plant holder 1 by using a bowl 6 and a reservoir 2. The bowl 6 and the reservoir 2 may include features as described under FIG. 3. The bowl 6 extends to below a top edge 9 of the reservoir 2, along a down turned strip 7 having the shape of a truncated cone, and rests on a flange 9. As alternatives for the shown bowl 6, a lid, a box shaped cap or the like may be employed. Depending on the shape in top view of the reservoir, the shape of the closing cap may vary accordingly, preferably to ensure protection of the interior of the assembled plant holder 1 against invading detrimental influences, like microorganisms, unwanted gases, insects and the like. In general, a closing cap is designed to close fittingly engage either of the reservoir and the separation, for the same purpose. The closing cap may even be hingedly attached to either of the reservoir and the separation.

[0195] FIGS. 5A and 5B exhibit an alternative embodiment of a plant holder 1 relative to the one of FIG. 3, where the bowl 6 is replaced by a bag 21 having a collapsible, compressible bellows shape. The bag 21 may be made of a semi-permeable foil 20 which defines a non-planar boundary.

[0196] Further, in the embodiment of FIGS. 5A and 5B, a optionally water-soluble sheet 22 is arranged on the foil or plate 4 and over or the injector plugs 11. Such a sheet 22 may also be provided in the embodiment of FIG. 3, for instance to shield plant material in general and seed 16 in particular from direct contact with hands of an end user, consumer or professional grower. After insertion of a selected one of the injector plugs 11 through the foil or plate 4, and if the sheet 22 applied in the embodiment of FIG. 3 is water-soluble, sheet 22 will dissolve after insertion of the injector plug 11 through foil or plate 4 to expose germinating or developing plant material to the environment in the interior of a space defined by the reservoir 2 and the bowl 6.

[0197] When an end user, consumer or professional grower in the embodiment of FIGS. 5A and/or 5B applies pressure or exerts force in the direction of arrow A, bag 21 collapses or is compressed and the pressure is transferred to sheet 22 and subsequently also to a selected one of the injector plugs 11, to drive the injector plug 11 through the base of the recess 10. When, under this pressure in the direction of arrow A, recess 10 breaks, water 3 from reservoir 2 is able to penetrate into substrate 15 of the relevant one of the injector plugs 11. In an embodiment, wherein the sheet 22 is water-soluble, what are in or from substrate 15 will act on the sheet to solve the sheet 22 at the location of the injector plug 11. When the pressure in the direction of arrow A is released, bellows shaped bag 21 returns to an original rest state as depicted in FIG. 5B, at which time or thereafter sheet 22 at the location of the relevant one of the injector plugs 11 will dissolve or have solved under influence of the water or other liquid in substrate 15, exposing developing plant material 23 in injector plug 11 to the environment of the interior of the bag 21.

[0198] An end user, consumer or professional grower as a choice whether to activate plant material in a selected number of the injector plugs 11 or of all of the injector plugs 11. The only action required for such activation of the plant material in a selected injector plug 11 is to press on bag 21 at a location corresponding with a selected one of injector plugs 11. The bag 21 therefore does not need to be lifted up.

[0199] Sheet 22 may, in the embodiment of FIG. 3 is provided, and/or in the embodiment of FIG. 3 be tensioned over the separation. Thus, injector plugs 11 will be better held in their accommodations, formed by recesses 10, if the injector plugs are arranged between such a sheet 22 and the foil or plate 4.

[0200] In the embodiment of FIGS. 5A/5B, the bag 21 forming an embodiment of a closing cap, as well as sheet 22 form a press arranged to insert the injector plug through the separator. Any alternative embodiment of such a press is also possible within the context of the present disclosure. For instance, a hinged plate could be used to simultaneously insert all of the injector plugs 11 through separation 4, when turning such a plate downward onto the injector plugs 11. It goes without saying that as a consequence of the rotational movement of such a hinged plate, injector plugs 11 will not be inserted precisely simultaneously through separation 4, but in a sequence.

[0201] FIG. 6 exhibits an injector plug 24 as an alternative for injector plugs 11. Therein, each of legs 13, here three in number, extends downward to a tip 25. The three tips 25 rest, before insertion of the injector plug 24 through a base or bottom of recess 10, on this base or bottom of recess 10. A plug stand 26 is provided on a bottom 27 of reservoir 2. The reservoir 2 may comprise one or more plug stands 26, extending from a bottom 27 of the reservoir for accepting a tip 25 of the injector plug. In the embodiment shown, the tips 25 of the injector plug 24 are pressed into the plug stand 26, when injector plug 24 is inserted into the reservoir through the separation 4. The plug stand 26 may comprise a recess, arranged to accommodate the tip 25 of the injector plug.

[0202] FIGS. 7A and 7B shows embodiments of the reservoir 2, comprising a plurality of plug stands 26 for accepting the tip of the injector plug 11. The plug stand 26 may comprise feature as described under FIG. 6. The reservoir 2 and the injector plug 11 may include features as described in any one of the preceding figures. The plug stand 26 is arranged to fix a position of the injector plug 11, once the injector plug 11 is plugged onto the plug stand 26.

[0203] FIG. 7A shows a reservoir 2 for planting a plant having roots (e.g. a plant that has been growing for a certain period). The plug stand 26 comprises a recess 28, arranged to define an open space for the roots to grow.

[0204] When inserting Such a plant, it is advantageous that the recess 28 provides some space for accommodating the roots. As a result, the roots are not injured when the injector plug 11 is plugged onto the plug stand 26.

[0205] FIG. 7B shows another embodiment of the reservoir 2 for seeding. In this embodiment, the plug stand 26 is arranged to dimension the reservoir to contain sufficient liquid for feeding to the plant from seeding through to offering to sale. The plug stand 26 may occupy a space less than 4 cm.sup.3.

[0206] FIGS. 8A-8C show embodiments of the separation 4. Elements of FIG. 3 and

[0207] FIGS. 5A-5B, such as the recess 10 and/or tear or break lines may also be included to define an intended position for inserting the injector plugs 11 into the reservoir 2.

[0208] FIG. 8A shows an embodiment where one or more crosses 29 are arranged on the separation 4. These crosses may define the intended position for inserting the injector plug 11. In the embodiment shown there are three crosses 29. The recess 10 (now shown) may be arranged underneath the cross 29. The separation 4 is preferably made of elastic material, such that the cross is substantially closed when the injector plug 11 is not inserted. This way provides a simple arrangement to achieve a separation 4 which is close when not in use, while it can be opened by simply plugging the injector plug 11 through the cross 29.

[0209] FIG. 8B shows an embodiment where the intended portion is defined by a screw cap 30 with an associated screw 31, which surrounds an opening 32. The screw cap 30 can be removed right before plugging the plant. Then the plant can be plugged through the opening 32. The injector plug 11 may be arranged to have a size (e.g. a cross-section area, a radius, etc) corresponding to the shape of the opening 32.

[0210] FIG. 8C shows an embodiment where the reservoir 2 is enclosed by a bag or a balloon. In an embodiment, the reservoir 2 is integrated with the bag/balloon. The bag/balloon may be made of a material that a grower can break through its surface by plugging the injector plug 11 through the surface. The reservoir bag 2 may be made of a foil having a thickness between 80-200 m.

[0211] The reservoir bag/balloon may be made of a flexible material, so that the shape of the reservoir bag/balloon can be adapted to the growth stage of the plant. At an early stage (e.g. germination of seeds/young plants), it is important for the plant to get water. In that case, therefore, the shape of the reservoir bag may be configured that it has a larger height and a narrower length and width, so that the water level is high. As the roots grow, it may be less important to have a high water level, while it becomes more important to provide a wider space from the plant to grow. In that case, the shape of the reservoir bag can be made wider but shorter.

[0212] FIG. 9A shows another embodiment of the plant holder 1, wherein the semi-permeable foil 20 is arranged in a form of the bag 21 for defining a hollow for covering the plant. The non-planar boundary comprises an apex-portion 20a (e.g. a roof-like shape) and a lateral portion 20b. In the embodiment shown, the semi-permeable foil 20 forms a complete boundary of the interior space, having a house-like shape, enclosing a reservoir 2 and a plurality of injector plugs 11. The apex-portion 20a is arranged to function as an outlet of air and/or water vapor, and the lateral portion 21b is arranged to function as an inlet of air and/or water vapor. The plant holder 1 is thus arranged to generate an air circulation within the interior space. The semi-permeability functionality and/or the inlet/outlet functionality may be achieved by arranging a plurality of perforations 50 on the bag 21. The bag 21 may comprise a handle portion 21a for carrying the bag for transport, and for adjusting a volume of the interior space. The semi-permeable foil 20 has a thickness. The embodiment of FIG. 9A may comprise the same or similar elements of any one of the preceding figures, and may be used in the system described under FIG. 1.

[0213] In the embodiment of FIG. 9A, the bag 21 is made of a semi-permeable foil 20 which defines a non-planar boundary. The semi-permeable foil has preferably permeation of water vapor, oxygen and CO.sub.2. The permeation of water vapor may be such that, in a temperature range suitable for growing plants (e.g. 15-25 C.), relative humidity is less than 65% RH in the exterior space and is more than 75% RH in the interior space. In an embodiment, the humidity in the interior space is in a range of 90-95% RH, and is lower than 60% RH in the exterior space.

[0214] The semi-permeable foil 20 reduces the risk that pathogens comes into and goes out from the interior space. Therefore, the risk of cross-infections are reduced.

[0215] In the embodiment shown, the bag 21 forms a non-planar boundary of the plant holder 1. The bag 21 comprises plurality of faces (in the apex-portion 20a and the lateral portion 21b) that are not co-planar to each other. In another embodiment, a single face/side is already not planar. This makes it possible for the plant holder 1 to exchange air/vapor at different height. As a result, a so-called chimney effect may take place, which improves the air/vapor circulation in the plant holder 1.

[0216] Chimney effect (e.g. stack effect) is typically a movement of air into and out of buildings, chimneys, flue gas stacks, or other containers. It typically results from a temperature difference. For instance, in tall buildings during the summer season, the warmer indoor air rises up through the building and escapes at the top either through open windows, ventilation openings, or unintentional holes in ceilings, like ceiling fans and recessed lights. The rising warm air reduces the pressure in the base of the building, drawing cold air in through either open doors, windows, or other openings and leakage. In addition to a temperature difference, a difference in humidity also causes air to rise or sink because moist air is lighter than dry air. Therefore, moist air of the same temperature as dry air rises because it is less dense than the dry air.

[0217] Such an air flow can be caused by a difference in humidity. Since the humidity inside the plant holder 1 is higher than the humidity outside the plant holder 1 (e.g. in the cabin 101), the chimney effect takes place. As the plant consumes liquid and evaporates water vapor, below a surface of the apex portion of the semi-permeable foil 20 (thus inside the interior space), the humidity is considerably higher than the humidity above the surface (outside the interior space). Moist air thus goes up and exits the plant holder 1, as shown in arrows 42. Accordingly, air and/or vapor rises inside the plant holder, as shown in arrows 40. Also, dry air comes into the plant holder 1, as shown in arrows 41. This improves the circulation in the plant holder 1. A similar effect can take place in the embodiment of FIG. 5A/5B.

[0218] The perforations 50 preferably have a radius less than 100 m for efficiently blocking pathogens. The perforations may be arranged in a quantity of (on average) 0.01 perforation per cm.sup.2 to 1000 perforations per cm.sup.2, depending on a desired permeation capacity, for instance in terms of quantities per unit of time. The perforations are preferably uniformly distributed on the foil. In that case, the circulation of the chimney effect may be optimized.

[0219] The growth of the plant can be controlled by carefully forming the perforations. The size of the holes determines permeation of oxygen, CO.sub.2 and water vapor. In addition, the size of the holes determines the performance of blocking fungi and bacteria.

[0220] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9A, the shape of the bag 21 is changeable (e.g. can be compressed and can be expanded). When fully expanded, the bag 21 may comprise a base area between 100-2500 cm.sup.2, preferably between 200-900 cm.sup.2. The base area may have a form of a square/rectangle having a length and/or a width between 10-50 cm.sup.2, preferably in a range of 15-25 cm.sup.2. A height from the base (bottom) to a highest point in the apex portion may be 20-50 cm. The reservoir 2 may have a depth between 30-70 cm. The plug stand 26 may have a height of 30-50 cm, and a height of 10-20 cm at the recess portion. A distance between the plug stands 26 may be arranged in a range of 30-50 cm.

[0221] The chimney effect described above may be amplified/induced by providing a (e.g. constant) air flow, e.g. by using an air flow generator, which may be integrated with the temperature controller 105 in the system 100.

[0222] FIG. 9B shows an embodiment where the chimney effect can be amplified/optimized. In the embodiment shown, a square-root of the area of the perforations and the thickness of the semi-permeable foil 20 have a ratio between 0.65 and 1.35. When used in the system 100, the system preferably comprises an airflow generator for creating a laminar flow 43 on the semi-permeable foil, and the semi-permeable foil 20 having perforations having an open area in a range of between 0.004-0.02 mm.sup.2, and/or a diameter of the perforation is in a range of 35-160 m).

[0223] In the embodiment shown, the perforations effectively form a plurality of three-dimensional tunnels. In an embodiment, the square-root of the area of the perforations is 0.7-1.3 times of the thickness, e.g. the tunnels roughly have the same order of a diameter and a length. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9B, when an air flow 43 meets the perforation, it continues to flow along a lateral boundary into a wall of the tunnel (perforation). At the preferred ratio (0.7-1.3) of the square-root of the open area of the perforations and the thickness, the air flow 43 may even flow a little bit into the interior space and then flows out. At an inlet, dry air is brought into the interior space when the laminar flow 43 goes into the perforation 50, and results in the air flow 41. At an outlet, moist air/water vapor is brought out from the interior space when the laminar flow 43 goes out from the perforation 50, and results in the air flow 42. It therefore creates an ideal environment to improve the ventilation. In an embodiment, an air distributor (e.g. which may be integrated with the temperature controller 105) is arranged to provide a constant air flow 43 having a speed of in a range of 0.9-1.1 m/s.

[0224] In an embodiment, the thickness of the semi-permeable foil 20 is 10010 m, and the diameter of each perforation is between 80-150 m.

[0225] Departing from the preferred range of the ratio of the square-root of the area of the perforations and the semi-permeable foil thickness generally reduces the effect as described above. Increasing the ratio can be imagined as increasing a diameter of a round perforation without changing the thickness of the semi-permeable foil. On the one hand, when the preferred range is departed by increasing the diameter, the air flow around the center of each perforation becomes less controlled. and a spontaneous diffusion of water vapor through the perforations also becomes less controlled. On the other hand, a flow speed of the laminar flow 43 in the tunnel generally decreases with the diameter of the tunnel. When the preferred range is departed by decreasing the diameter, at a certain threshold the flow speed of the laminar flow 43 becomes zero. Thus, the effect shown in FIG. 9B vanishes when the ratio of the square-root of the area of the perforations and the semi-permeable foil thickness becomes too small.

[0226] In some embodiments, the water transport rate W (e.g. mL per 24 hours) in the reservoir 2 can approximately be determined by an equation

[00001]$W=W_0.Math.\frac{AN}{e^{\frac{h}{h_0}-1}}$

where A is the surface area of each perforation, N is the total number of perforations on the semi-permeation foil 20, h is a thickness of the semi-permeation foil 20, and the proportion constant W.sub.0 is a function of the temperature, the air-flow speed and the relative humidity in the exterior space. In general, such a water transport rate increases with the difference between humidity levels in the interior space and the exterior space. For instance, if the perforations have a round shape the area A of the perforation is replaced by the circle area in the equation.

[0227] In these embodiments, it can therefore be pre-determined how much water is needed until the plant is matured and put into transport, minimizing the risk that after a few weeks of growth it turns out that water is not enough. Thus, the plant holder needs not to be opened and the risk of contamination is reduced. One then only needs to add some additional water for the plant to consume during the transport. In this way, the plant can get sufficient water throughout the stages of growth, transport and being sold in the supermarket completed in the isolated interior space, and can grow even during the transport and even in the supermarket.

[0228] FIG. 10 shows an embodiment comprising a semi-permeable foil 20, wherein the semi-permeable foil 20 comprises an apex portion 20a and a lateral portion 20b. Elements shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B and FIG. 9A, 9B may be included in this embodiment, and vice versa. A handle portion 21a is made of two or more layers of the semi-permeable foil 20. This makes it easier for the handle portion 21a to maintain its shape, and easier for carry and applying a force on it to adjust a volume of the interior space.

[0229] A ratio of the surface area between the apex portion and the lateral portion 20b may be less than 1/3. In the embodiment shown, the lateral portion 20b has four lateral faces, and the apex portion 20a has a shape like a triangular house roof. The lateral portion 20b expands a space along a height direction. This space improves the chimney effect, as the chimney effect typically concerns air going up or down. The chimney effect is in particular improved when perforations are (uniformly) spread over the lateral portion 20b. These perforations on the lateral portion 20b function like doors and windows in a building, where air comes in and goes up when the up-ward chimney effect takes place.

[0230] In the embodiment shown, the lateral portion 20b has a rectangular cross-section (e.g. in a top view). This may make the bag 21 easy to transport and saves space in the cabin 101.

[0231] The semi-permeable foil 20 according to any of the embodiments described above may be made of transparent material. The semi-permeable foil may be may also be made of white material (e.g. plastic), so that the light will reflect, which promotes growth. Perforations can be arranged on the foil with a hot-needle technique or with a laser. The laser method may be preferable to achieve a smaller and more accurate radius of the perforations.

[0232] The semi-permeable foil 20 according to any of the embodiments described above may be made of a self-supporting material for maintaining a shape, such that a volume of the interior space is changeable by applying a pressure or exerting a force on the bag. The volume of the interior space can thus be adjusted as the plant grows, preferably so large that the foil of the bag does not touch the plant. If the bag touches the plant, there is a risk that the leaves burn.

[0233] As in other embodiments, a wick (not shown) may extend through the injector plug 11 to improve water supply in a passage formed by the injector plug 11. The wick draws water from the reservoir 2 in order to better provide roots/seeds of the plant with water at an early stage of development than on the basis of evaporation alone.

[0234] FIGS. 11A and 11B show an embodiment of the plant holder 1, which includes a bag 21 as described with FIGS. 5A/5B/9/10 and a reservoir as described with FIG. 8C.

[0235] The embodiment of FIG. 9A is particularly advantageous when using together with a reservoir according to FIG. 8C. The embodiment shown comprises two bags: the semi-perforation foil 20 and the integrated reservoir 2 and the separation 4 (e.g. a reservoir bag in FIG. 8C). The plant holder 1 thus comprises a bag in another bag.

[0236] The plant holder 1 of such an embodiment has an advantage that the growth environment can be adjusted at all growth stages of the plant. In the embodiment shown, the reservoir bag is made of a flexible material, so that the shape of the reservoir bag can be adapted to the growth stage of the plant, together with the shape of the semi-permeable foil 20.

[0237] As shown in FIG. 11A, at an early stage (e.g. germination of seeds/young plants) the semi-permeable foil 20 and the reservoir bag (2,4) are arranged on a holder substrate 51a, which defines a shape of the semi-permeable foil 20, which in turn defines a shape of the reservoir bag. Both the shape of the apex portion and the lateral portion are preferably changeable. The holder substrate 51a has a (narrow) base such that the water level in the reservoir bag is high, so that the young plant 35 (or seeds) can get water. On the other hand, the semi-permeable foil 20 at this stage may be arranged such that it is not fully expanded, so that the volume of the interior space is adapted to the size of the plant.

[0238] As the roots grow, as shown in FIG. 11B, it becomes more important to provide a wider space from the plant to grow. In that case, the plant holder 1 can be moved to another holder substrate 51b, which has a wider base than 51a. The holder substrate 51b thus defines a shape of the semi-permeable foil 20 such that the interior space is sufficient wide for a matured plant 35 to grow. On the other hand, the grower can pull the semi-permeable foil 20 to fully expand it, to increase the volume of the interior space.

[0239] The plant holder 1 according to the embodiment of FIGS. 11A and 11B thus makes it possible to properly control not only temperature and humidity, but also water level and growing space. Thus a suitable growing environment can be achieved without transplanting, and even without opening the plant holder 1.

[0240] FIGS. 12A-12F show a flow chart of an embodiment to grow a plant in the plant holder 1. The elements described below may contain the same features as in the embodiments described above under FIGS. 1-11.

[0241] As shown in FIG. 12A, the reservoir 2 is filled with fluid medium (e.g. water or liquid). The fluid medium may be sterilized. In that case the fluid medium is warm when filled. The reservoir 2 may then be cooled with the fluid medium. After the fluid medium cools down, the reservoir 2 is closed (e.g. sealed with the separation 4). In the case that the reservoir 2 and the separation 4 is integrated into a reservoir bag, an opening of the reservoir bag is closed/sealed. A reservoir 2 defining a close space comprising a pre-determined amount of liquid is thus provided. The closed reservoir 2 may then be stored (e.g. at a clean place) before use.

[0242] As shown in FIG. 12B, an injector plug 11 with a seed 35a (or a plant 35) is provided. This may be provided in parallel, e.g. before/after or simultaneously with providing the closed reservoir.

[0243] FIG. 12C shows an unplugged state of the plant holder of the invention. In the embodiment shown, the semi-permeable foil 20 forms a complete boundary of the interior space, wherein the reservoir is enclosed in the interior space. The reservoir itself is also closed and contains the liquid therein. The injector plug 11 is provided with a seed 35a or a young plant. In the unplugged state, the injector plug 11 is placed in the interior space for plugging through the separation.

[0244] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12C, the bag 21 may be shaped to define a volume of the interior space of 800 (50) cm.sup.3.

[0245] Sterilization may be applied multiple times, and may be applied at any one of the steps described above. Sterilization may be done by using steams or other means such as heating. At different steps the plant holder 1 may be sterilized in different ways. In an embodiment, states described in FIGS. 12A to 12C are done in a sterilized environment, e.g. a clean room.

[0246] FIG. 12D shows an embodiment of a plugged state of the plant holder. The planting/seeding is done by plugging the injector plug 11 into the reservoir by applying a force on the semi-permeable foil 20/bag 21, in a similar way as shown in FIG. 5A. The plugging may be done after the plant holder is removed from a sterilized environment and shipped to a grower's place.

[0247] When a separation comprises a cross-shaped break-line 29 (e.g. FIG. 8A), the injector plug 11 may be plugged through the cross-shaped break-line 29. In the case of a screw cap (e.g. FIG. 8B), the screw cap is removed and the injector plug 11 is then plugged through the opening. In the case where a reservoir bag is used (e.g. FIG. 8C), the injector plug 11 is plugged through its surface. Thus, a plant is accommodated on the injector plug 11, which in turn stands through the separation of the reservoir.

[0248] Alternatively, the planting/seeding may be done by plugging the injector plug 11 into the reservoir before the semi-permeable foil 20 is arranged. Steps described under the context of previous drawings may be used. In the case where a separation comprises a cross-shaped break-line 29 (e.g. FIG. 8A), the injector plug 11 may be plugged through the cross-shaped break-line 29. In the case of a screw cap (e.g. FIG. 8B), the screw cap is removed and the injector plug 11 is then plugged through the opening. In the case where a reservoir bag is used (e.g. FIG. 8C), the injector plug 11 is plugged through its surface. Thus, a plant is accommodated on the injector plug 11, which in turn stands through the separation of the reservoir. In some embodiments, the bag 21 has an opening on the bottom side. In that case, the opening on the bottom side may be closed/sealed before or after the injector plug 11 is plugged. The bag is then closed (e.g. closing a sealing member 52 e.g. on the top of the bag 21). The interior space is thus formed, which contains the plant therein. At this stage, the bag 21 may be shaped to define a volume of the interior space of 800 (50) cm.sup.3.

[0249] As shown in FIG. 12E, the seed 35a germinates into a young plant 35, or the plant 35 grows. The volume adjustment mechanism described under FIGS. 11A-11B may be applied. Roots of the plant 35 may also grow at this stage and extend into the liquid in the reservoir.

[0250] As shown in FIG. 12F, the plant 35 is fully grown. In some embodiments the shape of the reservoir may be adjusted according to FIG. 11B. At this stage, the shape of the bag 21 is preferably adjusted in accordance with FIGS. 11A and 11B, such that volume of the interior space reaches a maximum value of e.g. 125,000 (100) cm.sup.3. In some embodiment, the amount of liquid may be pre-determined, such that there is a just amount of water left at this stage. With such an amount of water, the plant holder as a whole, comprising a matured/fully grown plant 35 and the reservoir 2, may be transported as a whole to the supermarket.

[0251] The descriptions above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that alternative and equivalent embodiments of the invention can be conceived and reduced to practice, without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined according to the claims set out below.