Abstract: A farming method may be shown and described. In an exemplary embodiment, plants may begin in a germination phase. Next, plants are brought to a nursery for a period of time before optionally being transplanted to one or more subsequent nurseries. Finally, plants are transplanted to a greenhouse where they may grow until they are ready for harvest. In an exemplary embodiment, the nursery phases may be vertical farms while the greenhouse phase may be a traditional, hydroponic, or other type of farm which may receive sunlight. AI may be implemented to optimize environmental conditions and robotics may be used to harvest the plants. Plants may be indexed to efficiently expedite plant growth and optimize the time and plant density/spacing in each phase.

Abstract: According to at least one exemplary embodiment, optimized packaging may be provided. Optimized packaging may be used, for example, as packaging for leafy green products, produce, or other food items. The optimized packaging may have a frame element and one or more film surfaces.

Abstract: A linked-chain system and custom gutter within an agricultural environment may be shown and described. In an exemplary embodiment, plantlets, seedlings, plant pods, or crops may be connected to one another in a linked-chain. The linked-chain may be placed within a gutter that may be provided within a growing facility. The gutter system may include multiple gutters for receiving and growing crops. The gutters may be arranged parallel to one another. In an exemplary embodiment, the gutters may include a linked-chain of plantlets or plant plugs. Plants in a linked-chain configuration can be transplanted together. The chain of plantlets may be densely planted initially and then may be pulled apart to increase spacing as the crops grow and density increases.

Abstract: A gutter system for growing one or more plants may be provided. The gutter system may include a gutter and one or more inserts. The gutter may have a trough, a first side wall extending upward from the trough, and a second side wall opposite the first side wall and extending upward from the trough. The gutter inserts may each have an outer wall, a clip connected to the outer wall, such that the clip secures the gutter insert to the gutter, and an inner wall which slopes away from the outer wall. The gutter insert may be hollow and the first gutter insert may be connected to the first side wall and the second gutter insert may be connected to the second side wall.

Abstract: A farming method may be shown and described. In an exemplary embodiment, plants may begin in a germination phase. Next, plants are brought to a nursery for a period of time before optionally being transplanted to one or more subsequent nurseries. Finally, plants are transplanted to a greenhouse where they may grow until they are ready for harvest. In an exemplary embodiment, the nursery phases may be vertical farms while the greenhouse phase may be a traditional, hydroponic, or other type of farm which may receive sunlight. AI may be implemented to optimize environmental conditions and robotics may be used to harvest the plants. Plants may be indexed to efficiently expedite plant growth and optimize the time and plant density/spacing in each phase.

Abstract: A farming method may be shown and described. In an exemplary embodiment, plants may begin in a germination phase. Next, plants are brought to a nursery for a period of time before optionally being transplanted to one or more subsequent nurseries. Finally, plants are transplanted to a greenhouse where they may grow until they are ready for harvest. In an exemplary embodiment, the nursery phases may be vertical farms while the greenhouse phase may be a traditional, hydroponic, or other type of farm which may receive sunlight. AI may be implemented to optimize environmental conditions and robotics may be used to harvest the plants. Plants may be indexed to efficiently expedite plant growth and optimize the time and plant density/spacing in each phase.

Abstract: An exemplary control unit may respond to electrical grid needs within a controlled environment agricultural system, which may include one or more power consuming and environment controlling systems. The control unit may identify criticality of and power consumption by the systems and may compare those with the current cost of power (capacity and energy). The control unit may analyze the cost of adjusting power to systems and the cost of powering those systems during a specified period of time. The analysis may account for the value of adjusting the electricity as well as tariffs and market mechanisms specific to the electricity market in a responsive manner. The cost of powering off or reducing power to those systems may be identified by considering the value of the associated crops, and the impact that the system has on the crops.

Abstract: A plant tray may include multiple plant cells. The plant cells may suspend the plants above a nutrient solution, creating an air gap between the plants and the nutrients. Roots may grow in the air gap. Walls may surround the air gap, in order to prevent or reduce air pruning of the roots. The climate of the air gap or air gaps may be controlled and modified independent of the surrounding climate. Some embodiments may use an inserted disk or plate to separate the plants or plant substrate from the air gap, while others may implement a cup or hourglass shaped cells with a chokepoint. Each disk, cup, or hourglass shaped cell may be configured such that the roots of the plant pass through to the air gap while supporting or securing the plant substrate above the air gap.

Abstract: A method for optimizing plant growth in a hybrid growing environment may implement artificial intelligence to measure and alter plant biometrics. Independent variables may be altered by a control unit by manipulating various control systems within the growing environment. Dependent variables may be measured, and the response of the dependent variables may be recorded in association with the alteration to the independent variables. A historical database may store data regarding the variables and may be referenced and updated by an exemplary embodiment. The control unit may optimize one or more variables or parameters based on a targeted value or outcome. An exemplary hybrid growing environment may include one or more vertical growing phases and a horizontal phase. The phases may implement various watering systems and may be hydroponic, be a complete CEA, use a mixture of natural, artificial, and/or supplemental lighting.

Abstract: An embodiment may respond to different weather profiles and market conditions within a controlled environment agricultural system, which may include one or more power consuming and environment controlling systems. Different market demands and prices may be used to influence which plants are grown and when they should be harvested. The growing process may be altered based on market demand, which may call for a varietal to be harvested at a delayed time or may require some other parameters to be optimized. A control unit may identify criticality of and power consumption by the systems and may compare those with the current cost of power. The control unit may analyze the cost of adjusting power to systems and the cost of powering those systems during a specified period of time. A weather profile may be forecasted which can be used to identify which systems to power or when to store energy.

Abstract: According to at least one exemplary embodiment, optimized packaging may be provided. Optimized packaging may be used, for example, as packaging for leafy green products, produce, or other food items. The optimized packaging may have a frame element and one or more film surfaces.

Abstract: An exemplary control unit may respond to electrical grid needs within a controlled environment agricultural system, which may include one or more power consuming and environment controlling systems. The control unit may identify criticality of and power consumption by the systems and may compare those with the current cost of power (capacity and energy). The control unit may analyze the cost of adjusting power to systems and the cost of powering those systems during a specified period of time. The analysis may account for the value of adjusting the electricity as well as tariffs and market mechanisms specific to the electricity market in a responsive manner. The cost of powering off or reducing power to those systems may be identified by considering the value of the associated crops, and the impact that the system has on the crops.