Abstract: One variation of a method for automating transfer of plants within an agricultural facility includes: dispatching a loader to autonomously deliver a first module—defining a first array of plant slots at a first density and loaded with a first set of plants at a first growth stage—from a first grow location within an agricultural facility to a transfer station within the agricultural facility; dispatching the loader to autonomously deliver a second module—defining a second array of plant slots at a second density less than the first density and empty of plants—to the transfer station; recording a module-level optical scan of the first module; extracting a viability parameter of the first set of plants from features detected in the module-level optical scan; and if the viability parameter falls outside of a target viability range, rejecting transfer of the first set of plants from the first module.

Abstract: A vertically-oriented module for growing plants is disclosed where the module comprises: a base comprising a housing for one or more auxiliary systems that support the module; a silo positioned on top of the base, the silo comprising a central core; an outer frame surrounding the central core, the outer frame defining a plurality of columns arranged radially around the central core, wherein each column is configured to receive one or more removable panels of plants; and a plurality of lighting units coupled to and arranged radially around the central core such that each lighting unit projects light away from the central core towards a corresponding column in the outer frame