Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus related to growing plants. In one aspect, an apparatus include a platform, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, one or more imaging modules, a liquid handling unit, a robotic arm, with these components being positioned in a chamber. A first surface of the platform including features defining a plurality of areas, with each area defining a space for a plant growth device. The LED panel is positioned to illuminate the first surface of the platform. The heat exchanger is in thermal contact with a second surface of the platform. The imaging module includes an imaging device from the group a microscope, a camera, and a scanner. The liquid handling unit is operable to add and remove liquids from the plant growth device. The robotic arm is operable to pick up and move the plant growth device from the platform to an imaging module.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and devices related to the study of ecological processes. In one aspect, a device includes a base, a substrate, and an enclosure. The substrate is in contact with a first surface of the base. The substrate and the base define a root chamber. The enclosure is in contact with a second surface of the base. The base and the enclosure define a growth chamber. The base defines a stem port connecting the root chamber and the growth chamber. The base further defines a first port in fluid communication with the root chamber and a second port in fluid communication with the root chamber. The device is operable to contain a plant, roots of the plant being in the root chamber, a stem of the plant passing through the stem port, and leaves of the plant being in the growth chamber.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and devices related to the study of ecological processes. In one aspect, a device includes a base, a substrate, and an enclosure. The substrate is in contact with a first surface of the base. The substrate and the base define a root chamber. The enclosure is in contact with a second surface of the base. The base and the enclosure define a growth chamber. The base defines a stem port connecting the root chamber and the growth chamber. The base further defines a first port in fluid communication with the root chamber and a second port in fluid communication with the root chamber. The device is operable to contain a plant, roots of the plant being in the root chamber, a stem of the plant passing through the stem port, and leaves of the plant being in the growth chamber.