FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to soil-based indoor agriculture and horticulture.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Food production and sustainability drives the agricultural sector around the world. With populations growth and climate change there is a need for proven dependable sources of food. Indoor farming is a method of growing crops or plants entirely indoors.

[0003] Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil by using mineral nutrient solutions in a water solvent. Terrestrial plants may be grown with only their roots exposed to a nutrient-rich liquid, or the roots may be physically supported by an inert medium such as perlite or gravel.

[0004] Soil-based indoor farming typically takes place in greenhouses.

[0005] GB 400,791 discloses an installation for influencing the growth of plants. The system comprises under the soil a there are transverse and longitudinal channels. In the channels hot air is forced by means of a fan.

[0006] US 5,277,877 discloses an indoor air purifier has a base and a container on the base with a layer of soil supported above a lower water bath occupying the bottom of the container. The container is fitted on top of the base such that the container can freely rotate upon the base. Room air is drawn into the base and is passed from the base into the bottom of the container through a duct connected between the two. Air passing from the base is directed downwardly into the water bath before passing upwardly into the soil layer. The air passes through the soil layer and is discharged from the soil's surface back into the room. Contaminant gases and particulates are removed from the air through contact with the soil layer and are metabolized by microorganisms contained within the soil, producing carbon dioxide and water.

[0007] US 8,181,387 discloses a rack for growing plants, including mounting means and a plurality of shelve means spaced vertically. Each of the plurality of shelve means is configured to slide generally horizontally in and out of said mounting means and includes a carrier element; and at least substantially planar light emitting element disposed under the carrier element and formed by at least one OLED. Positions of each of the plurality of shelve means are interchangeable relative to the mounting means.

[0008] US 10,070,599 discloses a plant cultivation apparatus which includes a cultivation unit including a cultivation bed. The cultivation plate includes an air supply path defined inside the cultivation plate, an air intake port through which air is supplied to the air supply path, and an air discharge port connecting with the air supply path and defined on an upper surface side of the cultivation plate where a cultivation plant is disposed.

[0009] US 2005/0166451 discloses a breathable plant container is provided that includes a hollow vessel having an opening through which planting soil can be inserted into the hollow portion of the vessel and through which a plant growing in the soil can grow out of the vessel. The hollow vessel has a wall comprised of a synthetic microporous sheet material.

[0010] US 2013/0247462 discloses a watering/drainage arrangement for a multi-layer horticultural structure wherein during watering, water from a series of water release outlets is sprayed through an aperture of a flood tray.

SUMMARY

[0011] In accordance with the invention, there is provided a plant-growing apparatus comprising: a soil container configured to contain soil, and comprising upright walls and a gas permeable floor; a gas cavity extending directly below the gas permeable floor, and having a cavity inlet for receiving gas, wherein the gas cavity is configured to direct the gas received from the gas inlet through the gas permeable floor and into the soil container.

[0012] The gas permeable floor may be a mesh sheet. A mesh may be considered to be a planar sheet of material with a two-dimensional lattice of holes passing between the gas cavity and the soil container. The gas permeable floor may be formed from plastic and/or metal. The gas permeable floor may be of unitary construction. The gas permeable floor may be rigid.

[0013] The gas permeable floor may comprise multiple mesh sheets which are moveable with respect to one another. This may allow a portion of the holes through both mesh sheets to be occluded by moving the mesh sheets relative to one another. The multiple mesh sheets may have different hole arrangements (e.g. positions and/or spacings).

[0014] The plant-growing apparatus may be rigid.

[0015] The container may be formed from plastic and/or metal. The container may be open at the top.

[0016] The gas cavity may be configured passively to direct the gas received from the gas inlet through the gas permeable floor and into the soil container. The gas cavity may have no moving parts.

[0017] The gas cavity may comprise a closeable water outlet for removing water.

[0018] The gas cavity may be configured to be in direct fluid communication with soil in the container via the gas permeable floor.

[0019] The plant-growing apparatus may comprise one or more channels, each channel having a channel inlet and at least one channel outlet; wherein the channel inlet is in fluid communication with the gas cavity and the channel outlet is positioned adjacent to the top of the container.

[0020] The plant-growing apparatus may comprise one or more a gas outlet positioned adjacent to the top of the container, configured to direct gas across the top of the container.

[0021] Each channel may be terminated by a cap. The channel outlets may be configured to distribute air across the top of the soil/container. The channel outlets may be configured to induce turbulence across the top of the soil and/or container (e.g. by interacting with air coming up through the soil).

[0022] The cavity inlet may be configured to allow releasable attachment to a gas dispenser. [0023] The plant-growing apparatus may comprise a gas dispenser configured to introduce gas into the gas cavity via the gas inlet at greater than atmospheric pressure

[0024] The gas dispenser may comprise a gas pump. The gas dispenser may be mounted to the plant-growing apparatus.

[0025] The gas cavity and the gas-permeable floor may extend between the upright walls. The upright walls of the container may or may not be gas permeable.

[0026] The soil may comprise biochar. The soil may comprise greater than 50% biochar by dry weight. Biochar is a form of charcoal used as a soil amendment. Biochar is typically a stable solid, rich in carbon. Biochar can be produced from biomass via pyrolysis

[0027] The plant-growing apparatus may comprise a water conduit, wherein the water conduit network comprises water-permeable portion positionable towards the top of the container.

[0028] The water-permeable portion may be releasably connected to the rest of the water conduit network.

[0029] The water-permeable portion may be flexible.

[0030] The container may comprise a plurality of moveable anchors positionable at the top of the upright walls, each anchor being configured to engage with a flexible portion of the water conduit to allow the water-permeable portion to be reconfigured by moving the position of the anchors.

[0031] The anchors may be rigid.

[0032] The plant-growing apparatus may comprise lights mounted to the underside of the gas cavity.

[0033] According to a further aspect, there is provided a plant-growing system comprising: multiple plant-growing apparatus.

[0034] The plant-growing system may comprise: a gas network configured to supply gas to the cavity inlets of the multiple plant-growing apparatus.

[0035] The plant-growing system may comprise: a water network configured to supply water to the multiple plant-growing apparatus. [0036] Multiple said plant-growing apparatus may be arranged vertically above each other.

[0037] The multiple plant-growing apparatus may be mounted on rails or runners which allow the container to be slid along a sliding axis which is aligned with the gas permeable floor.

[0038] The plant-growing system may comprise a housing for containing the multiple plant-growing apparatus.

[0039] The plant-growing system may comprise lights configured to illuminate above the top of a said soil container.

[0040] The housing may be a greenhouse.

[0041] The housing may comprise opaque walls and roof.

[0042] The gas may comprise oxygen, nitrogen and/or carbon dioxide. Oxygen may be used by the plant during respiration. Carbon dioxide may be used during photosynthesis. Nitrogen may be used to form proteins. Nitrogen may be fixed by the plants, bacteria and/or diazotrophs. Nitrogen fixation is a process by which molecular nitrogen in the air is converted into ammonia or related nitrogenous compounds in soil.

[0043] The system may comprise one or more of: a humidity sensor, a gas sensor (e.g. an oxygen sensor, a carbon dioxide sensor), a temperature sensor and a light sensor.

[0044] One or more of the humidity, gas and/or temperature sensors may be placed towards the top of the container (e.g. just above the soil level). One or more light sensors may be placed above the top of the container (e.g. above the foliage).

[0045] The system may be configured to control the gas passing through the plant apparatus based on the sensed parameters.

[0046] For example, if the humidity is too high, the system may respond by facilitating an increase in the rate of flow of dry gas. If the humidity is too low, the gas may be humidified before being introduced into the apparatus. The system may comprise an extractor for removing gas from above the container. The extractor may comprise an inlet for extracting gas positioned above the container. [0047] If the plants are being illuminated (this may be detected by light sensors or if lights are illuminated), the system may increase the relative or absolute quantity of carbon dioxide being provided for photosynthesis. If the plants are not being illuminated (this may be detected by light sensors or if lights are illuminated), the system may increase the relative or absolute quantity of oxygen being provided for respiration. That is, the gas composition and quantity may be controlled based on the light levels.

[0048] The system may be configured to adjust the relative or absolute quantity of particular gases to ensure that a predetermined environment is provided to the plants. For example, the system may be configured to keep the carbon dioxide level within a predetermined range. The system may comprise controllers for controlling the flow of particular gases (e.g. flow controllers and/or pumps). That is, the gas composition and quantity may be controlled based on sensed gas levels in the environment of the plants.

[0049] The system may comprise a heater and/or a cooler for conditioning the gas. The heater and/or cooler may be controlled based on feedback from the temperature sensor.

[0050] The plant apparatus containers may be configured to be on drawers so they can be pulled out for seeding, harvesting, examining, crop swapping etc.

[0051] The plant apparatus drawers may be configured for manual handling.

[0052] The system may comprise mechanical actuators for moving the drawers and/or connecting gas and/or liquid connectors. The mechanical actuators may comprise one or more hydraulic or pneumatic arms for pushing the drawers along runners or rails (e.g. onto a conveyor or other transport mechanism).

[0053] According to a further aspect there is provided a method of growing plants in a plant-growing apparatus comprising: a soil container configured to contain soil, and comprising upright walls and a gas permeable floor; a gas cavity extending directly below the gas permeable floor, and having a cavity inlet for receiving gas, wherein the method comprises directing gas received from the gas inlet through the gas permeable floor and into the soil container. [0054] The system may comprise an electronic controller. The electronic controller may be configured to control the gas and water being supplied to the apparatus. The electronic controller may receive sensor data. The electronic controller may comprise heaters, coolers and/or humidifiers. The electronic controller may comprise a processor and memory. The memory may store computer program code. The processor may comprise, for example, a central processing unit, a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit or ASIC or a multicore processor. The memory may comprise, for example, flash memory, a hard-drive, volatile memory. The computer program may be stored on a non- transitory medium such as a CD. The computer program may be configured, when run on a computer, to implement methods and processes disclosed herein.

[0055] According to a further aspect there is provided a plant-growing apparatus comprising: a soil container configured to contain soil, and comprising upright walls and a floor; one or more gas outlets configured to direct gas received along the top of the soil container (i.e. to aerate the top of the soil). This may help suppress the growth of mildew and other fungi.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0056] Various objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description of particular embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of various embodiments of the invention. Similar reference numerals indicate similar components.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of multiple plant apparatus arranged on shelves with an integrated liquid and gas network.

Figure 2 is a cross-section view of a plant apparatus.

Figures 3a and 3b are top views of a plant apparatus with a reconfigurable watering system.

Figure 4 is a side view of a shelf arrangement for mounting a plant apparatus. Figure 5 is a cross-section view of an alternative plant apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] The present technology relates to how to scale indoor farming and create higher value crops within. The present technology relates to aerated soil-based farming which may help allow farmers or other growers to grow a wide range of crops.

[0058] The inventors have grown over 35 different crops including Tasmanian Saffron which were awoken from dormancy in Canada with a 90% success rate. The inventors have found thus far that using the oxygenated tub system is growing crops at a 10-30 % better yield than traditional agriculture.

[0059] The present technology may also help increase nutritional density. With selected craft soils, tubs and light spectrums more nutritionally-dense produce may be grown.

[0060] The present system is configured to pump air through soil to oxygenate roots and promote heathy soil. By pushing air through the soil, we also move the CO2 that the plants are respiring underneath to the surface. In this way, the present aeration technology helps to oxygenate the soils to enable plants to yield quicker, and to reduce mould and mildew at the surface.

[0061] By allowing better plants to be grown locally and independently of climate and weather, fresh nutrient-dense produce can be picked at its peak close to where it will be consumed. A farm may be located anywhere to produce a specific variety of crop on demand. In addition, indoor agriculture could allow produce to be in season at any time of the year.

[0062] The present technology may use custom soil mixtures also purify environmental air when the air flow system is on. Moving air on the surface of the soil also helps eliminate mold or mildew. Heavy canopy crops may especially benefit from the movement of air at the surface.

[0063] Various aspects of the invention will now be described with reference to the figures. For the purposes of illustration, components depicted in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Instead, emphasis is placed on highlighting the various contributions of the components to the functionality of various aspects of the invention. A number of possible alternative features are introduced during the course of this description. It is to be understood that, according to the knowledge and judgment of persons skilled in the art, such alternative features may be substituted in various combinations to arrive at different embodiments of the present invention.

Overall System

[0064] Figure 1 shows an indoor plant-growing system. In this case, the plant growing system comprises a series of stacked shelves. Each shelf supports a container 120a,b which contains soil 130a, b and an associated gas cavity 121a, b. Above each container is a light (e.g. one or more incandescent bulb or LED). The spectrum of the light may be tailored or controlled for the plants growing underneath. It will be appreciated that the plant-growing system may be located within an enclosed container or building.

[0065] The system also comprises liquid 191 and gas 190 ducting.

[0066] The liquid ducting in this case carries water to the containers. In other embodiments, the liquid ducting may also comprise fertilizer, pesticide and/or herbicide.

[0067] The liquid ducting has a horizontal main channel towards the roof. Vertical branch lines bring liquid to one set of shelves. That is, multiple said plant-growing apparatus are arranged vertically above each other.

[0068] As will be discussed in greater detail below, each shelf will have a distribution channel for distributing the water on the top of the soil.

[0069] The gas ducting in this case carries oxygen to the containers. In other embodiments, the liquid ducting may also comprise carbon dioxide.

[0070] The liquid ducting has a horizontal main channel towards the roof. Vertical branch lines bring liquid to one set of shelves. As will be discussed in greater detail below, each shelf will have a connector for receiving gas at the bottom of the container and distributing gas through and on top of the container.

Gas Flow

[0071] Figure 2 is a cross-section view of an embodiment of a plant-growing apparatus 200 comprising: a soil container 220 configured to contain soil 230, and comprising upright walls 227 and a gas permeable floor 222; a gas cavity 221 extending directly below the gas permeable floor 22, and having a cavity inlet 223 for receiving gas, wherein the gas cavity 221 is configured to direct the gas received from the gas inlet 223 through the gas permeable floor 222 and into the soil container 220.

[0072] In this case, the gas permeable floor is a single mesh sheet having a two- dimensional lattice of holes passing between the gas cavity and the soil container. This allows gas to be evenly distributed across the floor of the container. The holes may be between 1/16 and 1/4 inch (e.g. 1/8 inch) in diameter. The centre to centre spacing may be between 1/8 and 1/2 inch (e.g. 3/16 inch). The mesh sheet may be between 2 and 10mm thick (e.g. 3mm).

[0073] In this case, the gas cavity is configured passively to direct the gas received from the gas inlet through the gas permeable floor and into the soil container. That means that gas is redirected from the inlet without any moving parts which can help reduce breakages from materials passing through the gas-permeable floor (e.g. liquids and or small particulates). The lack of moving parts may make the gas cavity easy to clean. The gas- permeable floor may be removeable to allow access to the gas cavity.

[0074] The gas cavity and gas-permeable floor allows gas 224 to move up through the soil and out the top of the soil below the leaves. In this case, the soil comprises biochar which facilitates gas movement through soil. In this case, the gas comprises oxygen. Plant cells in the roots need to get oxygen from the environment to stay alive. Even though roots are in the soil, they need to absorb oxygen, which is usually available from the small air spaces in soil. For example, if the soil is waterlogged, plant roots can be smothered or drowned, and the cells in the roots die. In the present technology, the oxygen is supplied to the roots and any CO2 produced by the roots is driven towards the foliage at the top of the soil. This CO2 may be consumed by the plant during photosynthesis.

[0075] In this case, the plant-growing apparatus also comprises one or more vertical channels 224 which in this case are enclosed, each channel 224 having a channel inlet 228 and a channel outlet 225; wherein the channel inlet is in fluid communication with the gas cavity 221 and the channel outlet is positioned adjacent to the top of the container.

[0076] These channels direct air from the gas cavity to the top of the soil. This helps aerate below the foliage. The gas outlets are configured to direct air across the top of the container 220 along or towards the surface of the soil (e.g. wherein the air is directed in directions aligned with or towards the plane of the gas-permeable floor). This can suppress the growth of mildew, mould or other fungi on the surface of the soil. Such growth can be particularly problematic in indoor growing environments where the environmental air is humid and/or stagnant.

[0077] In this case, the gas outlets are terminated by a cap which fits on top of the vertical channels. These caps help direct the air flow laterally. In addition, the caps may help prevent falling water or particulates falling into the channels. The caps may be removeable (e.g. connected via a screw) to facilitate cleaning. In this case, the channel outlets are positioned above the water conduit 226 to help prevent water entering the channels from above.

[0078] In this case, gas is pumped into the gas cavity via the gas inlet from the network at greater than atmospheric pressure. In other embodiments, the plant-growing apparatus may comprise an onboard pump configured to pump environmental air into the gas cavity.

[0079] In this case, the plant-growing apparatus comprises a water conduit 226 for watering the plants.

Water Flow

[0080] Figures 3a and 3b are top views of a plant-growing apparatus 300 similar to that of figure 2 showing the top surface of the soil and a water conduit for watering the plants.

[0081] In this case, the water conduit comprises a flexible water-permeable portion 326 positioned towards the top of the container 320. In this case, the flexible water permeable portion is a soaker hose. A soaker hose is a porous hose configured such that water flows through the hose and seeps slowly out through the walls. A soaker hose applies water directly onto and into the soil 330 and may reduce environmental humidity compared with sprinklers which spray water into or through the air. [0082] In order to configure the water permeable portion the container comprises a plurality of moveable anchors 341 a-k positionable at the top of the upright walls, each anchor being configured to engage with a flexible portion 326 of the water conduit to allow the water-permeable portion to be reconfigured by moving the position of the anchors.

[0083] In this case, the anchor comprises a rail-connector 342g for releasable connection to anchor rails 340a-b positioned on either side of the top of the container. In other embodiments, the container may comprise a plurality of pre-determined anchor connectors. Each anchor also comprises a portion connector 343g for connection to the water-permeable portion. In this case the portion connector is a loop through which the water-permeable portion is fed. It will be appreciated that other forms of portion connector may be used such as hooks flexible hooks, snap hooks etc.

[0084] By moving the position of the anchors 341 a-k, the configuration of the flexible water-permeable portion 326 can be adjusted. Figures 3a and 3b show two different configurations of the anchors 341 a-k and the flexible water-permeable portion 326. It will be appreciated that other configurations are available. The anchors and lines of water- permeable portion are closer together in the configuration of figure 3a compared with that of figure 3b. In this way, the water-permeable portion can be configured to suit the types of plant being grown and/or the water needs of the plants. For example, large plants such as cabbages may require spaced out watering lines, whereas smaller plants such as lettuce may require more closely spaced watering lines.

[0085] In this case, the flexible water-permeable portion is releasably connected to the rest of the water conduit network. This may allow the plant-growing apparatus 300 to be moved. The water network may be configured to to supply water to multiple plant-growing apparatus.

Shelving Arrangement

[0086] Figure 4 is a side view of shelving within a larger plant growing system (e.g. the one shown in figure 1). Each shelf is configured to support a plant-growing apparatus and allow the container to be pulled in and out like a drawer to allow the containers to be easily moved (e.g. for planting, sowing seeds, tilling or thinning plants). [0087] In this case, the shelf is formed from two support rails 450. The support rails each comprises a horizontal runner and a stop 451 toward the front. The support rails are mounted on a vertical wall 458 (e.g. the wall of the housing in which the plant growing system is located). The rails 450 define a sliding axis such that when the container is pulled in and out, it moves along the sliding axis. In this case, the plant-growing apparatus comprises wheels 459 which run along the horizontal runners. Other embodiments may be configured to slide directly along the rails.

[0088] In this case, the plant-growing apparatus is similar to that shown in figure 2, in that it comprises a container 420 with upright walls, a gas-permeable floor 422 and a gas cavity 421. The gas cavity 421 comprises a gas-network connector 455. The gas-network connector 455 is configured to connect to a corresponding connector 454 mounted on the wall 458. The gas-network connector and the corresponding connector are aligned parallel to the sliding axis, and positioned such that, as the container is slid in, the gas-network connector and the corresponding connector are configured to connect. The gas-network connector and the corresponding connector comprises at least one seal to help prevent leakage. The corresponding connector may be configured to open automatically when the gas-network connector is pushed into place, and to close automatically when the gas- network connector was pulled out.

[0089] The plant-growing apparatus also comprises a water conduit 426 for watering the plants. The water conduit comprises a water-network connector 453. The water-network connector 453 is configured to connect to a corresponding connector 452 mounted on the wall 458. The water-network connector and the corresponding connector are aligned parallel to the sliding axis, and positioned such that, as the container is slid in, the water- network connector and the corresponding connector are configured to connect. The water- network connector and the corresponding connector comprises at least one seal to help prevent leakage (this system may be important for low-pressure water systems). The corresponding connector may be configured to open automatically when the water- network connector is pushed into place, and to close automatically when the water- network connector was pulled out.

[0090] The stop 451 at the front in this case is configured to hold the container in place and to keep positive pressure on the water and/or gas connector seals. Figure 4 shows the situation as the container is being slid in just before the connectors connect and the container drops down behind the stop.

[0091] It will be appreciated that other embodiments may be configured such that the plant-growing apparatus connects to only one of the gas and liquid networks as it is slid into place. For example, the gas connectors may be push-fit connectors, but the liquid network requires manual engagement (or vice versa). Manually engaged connectors may be positioned towards the front of the container to enable easy access.

[0092] The plant-growing apparatus may be configured to be manually slid into place. In other embodiments, the system may comprise mechanical actuators for moving the drawers and/or connecting gas and/or liquid connectors. The mechanical actuators may comprise one or more hydraulic or pneumatic arms for pushing the drawers along runners or rails (e.g. onto a conveyor or other transport mechanism).

[0093] In this case, the container also comprises lights mounted to the underside a gas cavity. It will be appreciated that other lighting systems may be used.

Other Points

[0094] Figure 5 is a cross-section view of another embodiment of a plant-growing apparatus similar to that of figure 2. In this case, the plant-growing apparatus comprises: a soil container 320 configured to contain soil 330, and comprising upright walls 327 and a gas permeable floor 322; a gas cavity 321 extending directly below the gas permeable floor 322, and having a cavity inlet 323 for receiving gas, wherein the gas cavity 321 is configured to direct the gas received from the gas inlet 323 through the gas permeable floor 322 and into the soil container 320.

[0095] In this case the plant-growing apparatus is configured such that the upright walls are gas permeable and in fluid communication with the gas cavity. That is, the gas cavity extends up the sides of the container.

[0096] In this case, the gas-permeable side walls may be configured to have a range of hole sizes. That is, below the soil line, the holes may be smaller or more spaced out towards the top compared with towards the bottom. This may help compensate the greater resistance to gas flow from the bottom holes due to the greater distance of travel through the soil.

[0097] At the top of the gas cavity, the outlets may be configured to guide the gas flow across the top of the soil to help supress the growth of mildew and other fungi.

[0098] In the cases shown in figures 2 and 5, the soil is placed directly into and therefore fills the container. It will be appreciated that the container may be used to support plant pots or other vessels (e.g. resting on the gas-permeable floor). As is well known, many plant pots have holes at the bottom which could receive air from the gas-permeable floor. In this configuration, areas of the gas-permeable floor between or around the plant pots may be sealed off using a layer of gas-impermeable material to ensure that the gas is passing through the soil in the plant pots rather than around the plant pots.

[0099] Although the present invention has been described and illustrated with respect to preferred embodiments and preferred uses thereof, it is not to be so limited since modifications and changes can be made therein which are within the full, intended scope of the invention as understood by those skilled in the art.