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.