Abstract: Material moving devices include ergonomic improvements that reduce extraneous work required and lessen strain experienced by users. Material moving devices include a head for receiving material to be moved and a first elongated handle with a grip at the far end for gripping by a first hand of a user. A second handle is coupled to the head for gripping by a second hand of the user. The second handle can be pivotably coupled to the head in a location or locations generally longitudinally aligned with the expected location of the center of mass of the head when loaded with material to be moved.

Abstract: A basket rotates about a basket axis with respect to an implement frame when moving in a direction of travel. The basket includes first and second end plates and a plurality of blades extending therebetween. The blades engage the ground surface as the basket rotates and each include a first end and a second end positioned closer to the basket than the first end. The basket defines an internal volume between the first and second end plates and the second ends of the blades. An internal scraper is positioned within the internal volume of the basket such that a portion of the internal scraper extends rearward of a vertical plane extending through the basket axis in the direction of travel and vertically away from the ground surface above a horizontal second plane extending through the basket axis. The internal scraper extends at an acute angle with respect to horizontal.

Abstract: A driving head of an electric gardening machine includes a base, a driving assembly, a clutch member and a transmission member. The base defines an axial direction. The driving assembly is disposed on the base and includes a motor assembly and a driving rod. The motor assembly and the driving rod are in a rotation-connecting relationship. The clutch member is sleeved with the driving rod and slidable relative to the driving rod in the axial direction to be in a first position or a second position. The transmission member is rotatably connected to the base. The clutch member is in rotational interference with and engaged with the transmission member when the clutch member is located in the first position. The clutch member is free of rotational interference with the transmission member when the clutch member is located in the second position.

Abstract: A land preparation tool. The tool body can have a longitudinal axis, and include a first imaginary plane and a second imaginary plane. The first and second imaginary planes can intersect orthogonally at the longitudinal axis. The tool body can also include a concave cutting surface tapering from a proximal midpoint to a distal edge comprising a circular blade, and a multi-faceted surface mounting interface disposed on the tool body opposite the cutting surface. The mounting interface can have a plurality of beveled surfaces defining a first pair of V-shaped surfaces and a second pair of V-shaped surfaces, wherein a first apex of the first pair of V-shaped surfaces is disposed in the first imaginary plane and a second apex of the second pair of V-shaped surfaces is disposed in the secondary imaginary plane. A channel can be disposed into the mounting interface and extend into the tool body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a soil-working device having an overload protection means, in the case of which overload protection means rebound energy is reduced after the soil-working device returns from an overload position to the working position.

Abstract: A process for weighing a harvested crop stored in a tank of a harvesting machine, a frame supporting the tank is mounted on a wheel set by a lifting device which is operable to move the frame upwardly and downwardly upon control of a hydraulic system. The process controlling the hydraulic system and includes the steps of: determining at least one height position of the frame on the displacement course; measuring a lowering pressure and a raising pressure in the hydraulic system at the position; calculating, from the measured pressures, a balancing pressure for the frame. The process is performed before unloading the stored crop in order to calculate a loaded balancing pressure and after the unloading in order to calculate an empty balancing pressure. The weight of the stored crop is calculated from a pressure variation between the loaded balancing pressure and the empty balancing pressure.

Abstract: A system for harvesting nitrogen, comprising a motored robotic litter processing vehicle including an elongate housing creating an inner space for mounting components. A nitrogen harvester box connected to a rear portion of the vehicle is provided including a vacuum canopy connecting four sides to a floor, and wheels. A scoop level to ground having an opening facing the vehicle is enabled to collect litter material including nitrogen. A sieve screen having a mesh size positioned laterally at a height above the floor enables nitrogen particles smaller than the mesh size to fall through the sieve and nitrogen particles larger than the mesh size to be captured on a top surface of the sieve, wherein a vacuum chute collects the particles smaller than the mesh size and deposits them into a collection bin.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method that provides a sprig plugger that inserts sprigs into soil using a movable tine in conjunction with an aerator or purpose-built mechanical sprig plugger.

Abstract: A rake and shovel apparatus. The apparatus includes a rake comprising a first shaft and a rake head, and a shovel comprising a second shaft and a shovel head. A first fastener is disposed on the first shaft, and a corresponding second fastener is disposed on the second shaft. A connector is configured to removably secure to an upper end of each of the first shaft and the second shaft, such that the apparatus can be stored in a hanging configuration if desired. In use, the first fastener is configured to removably secure to the second fastener so as to removably secure the rake to the shovel, defining a volume between the rake head and the shovel head that can be used to receive and transport solid materials.

Abstract: A lawn mower includes a cutter blade having flaps and a flap drive mechanism. The flap drive mechanism includes a flap drive source and an intermediate power transmission unit. The intermediate power transmission unit is provided on a power transmission path between the flap drive source and the flaps and provided coaxially with a blade rotation axis. An output axis of a motor is provided coaxially with a blade rotation axis and the intermediate power transmission unit.

Abstract: A low-energy blade system having a quick-change attachment for a lawn maintenance tool is provided. The low-energy blade system requires a reduced amount of energy to rotate the blade system. The blade system includes a shell, a mounting plate attached to the shell, a plurality of quick-attach mechanisms, and a separate cutting blade attachable to each of the quick-attach mechanisms. Each quick-attach mechanism allows a cutting blade to be attached to the mounting plate without the need for external tools, such as screwdriver, wrench, ratchet, or the like.

Abstract: In certain example embodiments of this invention, the lawn mower includes one or more of: (a) cutter deck baffle teeth for improving cutting performance; (b) a trim divider edge portion of the cutter deck for improving cutting performance; (c) a trim vacuum structure portion of the cutter deck for improving cutting performance; and/or (d) a center vacuum structure portion of the cutter deck for improving cutting performance.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing tongue assembly for coupling a rotary cutter with a work vehicle includes a coupler configured to couple to the work vehicle, and a linkage mechanism having a proximal end at the rotary cutter and a distal end at the coupler. The linkage mechanism includes a suspension element configured to dampen energy transferred between the rotary cutter and the work vehicle, a primary linkage mechanism extending from the rotary cutter, and a secondary linkage mechanism extending between the primary linkage mechanism and the coupler. The secondary linkage mechanism is configured to rotate about the primary linkage mechanism while maintaining the coupler in a level condition.

Abstract: A monitoring system for a combine harvester. The monitoring system includes a sensor configured to provide a measurement wave to a flow of crop residue on the harvester and to receive a response wave from the flow of crop residue. The monitoring system further includes a processor having an input terminal for receiving a response signal of the sensor representative of the response wave. The processor is configured to determine a crop parameter associated with the density of the flow of crop based on the response signal of the sensor. The processor further has an output terminal for outputting a density signal representing the crop parameter.

Abstract: A drop pan system for collecting discharge samples from combine harvesters or other conveyed machines or implements features a support housing attachable to the machine, a drop pan receivable in a nested position within said housing, and a magnetic hold/release mechanism with electro-permanent magnets responsive to selective energization to switch from a holding state emitting an external magnetic field for holding the drop pan in the nested position, to a release state cancelling said external magnetic field to thereby release the drop pan from the housing. A power supply is positioned on the housing at an area that resides within a footprint of the drop pan's nested position. Differently sized drop pans are included, and the housing features alignment guides for self-aligning the selected pan during magnetically aided placement thereof. Electrical components of the housing are contained in an enclosure that doubles as a support for the electro-permanent magnets.

Abstract: A drop pan system for collecting discharge samples from combine harvesters or other conveyed machines or implements features a support housing attachable to the machine, a drop pan receivable in a nested position within said housing, and a magnetic hold/release mechanism with electro-permanent magnets responsive to selective energization to switch from a holding state emitting an external magnetic field for holding the drop pan in the nested position, to a release state cancelling said external magnetic field to thereby release the drop pan from the housing. A power supply is positioned on the housing at an area that resides within a footprint of the drop pan's nested position. Differently sized drop pans are included, and the housing features alignment guides for self-aligning the selected pan during magnetically aided placement thereof. Electrical components of the housing are contained in an enclosure that doubles as a support for the electro-permanent magnets.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method is disclosed for automatically controlling a height of an implement of an agricultural work vehicle relative to a ground surface. The method may include monitoring the height of the implement and a vehicle speed; determining an implement height error by comparing the height of the implement with a predetermined target height; and calculating a sensitivity factor based on a sensitivity setting. When the monitored vehicle speed is greater than a predetermined speed threshold, the sensitivity factor may equal a first constant sensitivity value that is proportional to the sensitivity setting. The method may include reducing the sensitivity factor to less than the first constant sensitivity value when the monitored vehicle speed becomes less than the predetermined speed threshold and adjusting the height of the implement relative to the ground surface based on the implement height error and the sensitivity factor.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a simulation system for adjusting settings of a vehicle having an implement coupled thereto, the simulation system comprising: one or more feedback sensors for detecting physical movement of the implement; and a computing system configured by instructions to: receive predefined simulated inputs corresponding to movement of the implement attached to the vehicle, the simulated inputs being associated with anticipated physical movement of the implement; based on the inputs, provide an output to a control system operably coupled to the implement, the output causing physical movement of the implement based on one or more settings; receive feedback from the one or more feedback sensors indicating movement of the implement responsive to the output; compare physical movement of the implement with the anticipated physical movement associated with the simulated inputs; and in response to detecting a difference between the physical movement of the implement and the anticipated physical movement, cause

Abstract: A harvesting header for a combine harvester comprises a central header section and two lateral header sections hinged to and arranged to rotate relative to the central section for assuming a working configuration, in which the three header sections are mutually horizontally aligned, and a transport configuration, in which the lateral header sections overlap the central section. The header sections are provided with a support frame and a cutting bar associated with the support frame by a hydraulic suspension and comprising a blade having substantially trapezoid-shaped knives capable of to-and-fro movement by a motor-driven control member. The header sections also include a pick-up reel supported on the support frame by means of swivel arms, a transport belt conveyor arranged downstream of the cutting bar and configured to feed the material cut by the cutting bar downstream of the harvesting header toward a rear part of the harvesting header.

Abstract: A non-row sensitive forage harvester header is formed with a single rotary member driven by a simplified drive mechanism coupled to the primary drive of the forage harvester to which the header is mounted. A horizontal drive shaft transfers the rotational power laterally to a gear box. The vertical output shaft from the gearbox has a first drive sprocket mounted thereon to connect directly with a drive chain fixed to the crop transfer disks, and a second drive sprocket mounted thereon and coupled to a drive chain entrained around a driven sprocket on the cutting disk to provide a drive speed differential with respect to the crop transfer disks. The crop guides are formed with rearwardly angled transfer arms cooperable with sweeper members on the crop transfer disk to direct the severed crop into engagement with the transfer disks for feeding into the forage harvester.

Abstract: An unloading system for a harvester is described as including a crop delivery apparatus, an unloading structure, a belt, and a deflector. The crop delivery apparatus has an outlet through which a flow of crop material is expelled. The unloading structure receives the flow of crop material from the outlet of the crop delivery apparatus and includes a conveyor tube portion extending along a longitudinal axis and defining a passage therethrough with an open intake end. The belt extends into from the intake end through the passage for transporting the flow of crop material through the conveyor tube portion. The deflector extends within the unloading structure from an upstream end to a downstream end such that at least a portion of the flow of crop material received from the crop delivery apparatus contacts the deflector and is directed towards at least a portion of the belt.

Abstract: An unloading system for a harvester is described as including a crop delivery apparatus, an unloading structure and a belt. The crop delivery apparatus defines an outlet and is configured and positioned to propel a flow of crop material through the outlet such that a least a portion of the crop material is deposited onto the belt. The unloading structure is configured to receive the crop material from the crop delivery apparatus and has a structure including a conveyor tube portion extending along a longitudinal axis, the conveyor tube portion defining a passage therethrough having an open intake end. The belt extends from the intake end through the passage for transporting the crop material through the conveyor tube portion. A projection of the longitudinal axis of the conveyor tube portion of the unloading structure passes through an internal cross-sectional area defined by the outlet of the crop delivery apparatus.

Abstract: A sieve assembly for use within an agricultural harvester may generally include a sieve, a crop material sheet, and at least one support element. The sieve extends along a length defined between a first sieve end and a second sieve end and processes a flow of harvested crop material. The sieve also defines a plurality of openings through which cleaned crop material of the flow of crop material is directed. The crop material sheet extends along a length defined between a first sheet end and a second sheet end and receives the cleaned crop material directed through the sieve's openings. The crop material sheet then directs the flow of cleaned crop material towards a separate component of the crop processing system. In addition, the support element(s) is directly coupled between the sieve and the crop material sheet and structurally connects the sieve to the crop material sheet.

Abstract: A combine harvester is provided with a conveyance system for transporting crop material discharged by overhead grain separating apparatus to a grain cleaning shoe. The conveyance system comprises a series of oscillating pans which move the grain in a generally longitudinal direction. A return pan conveys the collected material forwardly to a front discharge edge from where the material falls onto a stratification pan below. The stratification pan conveys the collected material rearwardly to a rear discharge edge from where the material falls into the grain cleaning shoe. At least one of the return pan and the stratification pan is non-rectangular and has a non-transverse discharge edge.

Abstract: A return pan for an agricultural harvester has an inclined upper surface portion, disposed to receive grain from a threshing or separating mechanism and laterally convey grain under the force of gravity to an inlet of a grain flow sensor.

Abstract: An agricultural baler with a pre-compression chamber configured to introduce a slice towards a baling chamber. The baling chamber includes a plunger provided for reciprocally moving in the baling chamber, the reciprocal movement having a power movement. In use, during the power movement, slices of crop material are compressed into a bale and the bale is pushed through the baling chamber. The baling chamber further includes at least one movable wall for exercising a compression force to the crop material in a direction transverse to the propelling movement so that, in use, the at least one movable wall provides a counter pressure for the propelling through the baling chamber of the bale. The agricultural baler further includes a controller adapted to influence a compression force of the at least one movable wall at a predetermined moment of the power movement to reduce the counter pressure.

Abstract: A knotter system for a baler includes a needle and a tucker arm for delivering a needle twine and tucker twine respectively, a twine receiver for holding the needle and the tucker twine, a billhook assembly including a billhook with a lower and an upper lip being mounted rotatably around an axis and being arranged for receiving the needle and the tucker twine, a twine finger for guiding the twine. Further, a driver is foreseen to make the billhook perform a first full rotation during the first knot forming cycle and a second full rotation during the second knot forming cycle. The knotter system is configured such that, at the end of the second knot forming cycle, a bale movement of a bale in the baler exerts a pulling force on the twines which removes the twines from the billhook.

Abstract: A dual rotary cutter bale processor operable in a first mode for producing ground material and dispersing ground material for a first use and a second mode for producing cut material and dispersing cut material from the processor for a second use, where the cut material is coarser than the ground material. Material is processed for feeding into a container, bunk, or tire, into windrows on the ground, making piles of material, spreading the material for use as animal bedding, and/or mulching newly seeded areas. A screen and moveable bypass door for each rotary cutter and a position of a deflector direct a cut path such that the bypass doors can be used to force the material through the screens to further reduce size of the material or the deflectors can be used so the material bypasses the screens for dispersal from the processor in a coarser state.

Abstract: A land preparation tool. The land preparation tool can include a tool body, and the tool body can include a cutting surface, a mounting interface disposed along a side of the body opposite the cutting surface, a first angled surface that sweeps backward from the cutting surface toward the mounting interface, and a second angled surface that is disposed on a side of the cutting surface opposite the first angled surface and sweeps backward from the cutting surface toward the mounting interface. The tool can also include a blade disposed on the same side of the tool body as the cutting surface and a channel disposed into the mounting interface and extending into the tool body. The mounting interface can include a nonplanar profile.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods for mapping temporal and spatial stability and sustainability of a cropping system. In some methods, remote sensing imagery over multiple time series elements (such as for past growing seasons) is used to characterize small-scale field stability and variability relative to larger surrounding land areas. In some methods, remote sensing imagery over multiple time series elements (such as for the growing season) is used to characterize small-scale field stability and variability relative to larger surrounding land areas. In some methods, a crop model is used to determine dependent cropping system parameters related to agricultural sustainability, which can be used to characterize small-scale field sustainability scores for such parameters relative to larger surrounding land areas.

Abstract: A growth lighting system includes a central module having hingeable arms to secure the central module to a ceiling; left and right panels extending from the central module, wherein each panel is positioned at a selectable inclination and angle to provide placement of the panels at predetermined position to the plant satisfying predetermined plant light requirements; and a plurality of light emitting diodes positioned on the central module and the left and right panels to provide lighting to the plants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems, methods and apparatus for multi-dimensional conveyor which allows for the planting, growing and harvesting of plants and plant material in a manner which optimizes yield, allows for consistency, allows production and harvesting to be automated, and allows production to proceed in conditions which may be most favorable to biologic activities associated with plant products. The entire apparatus can be constructed of lightweight, cost-effective materials, which afford mass-production and mass-array into vast automatic growing operations.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for the indoor and outdoor cultivation of larger fruiting plants. Improved lighting techniques, plant layouts, and space utilization are provided to improve the quality and yields of harvested products from large fruiting plants on a per plant and unit area basis. The uniformity of artificial light is improved from the top to the bottom of tall plants and vines, and overcome the lack of light penetration through the canopy of the plant by changing the orientation of lights from a horizontal to vertical alignment along the side of the plant verses over the top of the canopy, as well as increasing the number of light sources to reduce shading. Plants are trained to grow in specific directions and orientations in a grid system to enable an optimal and uniform light distribution and to improve space utilization in a given growing area.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a plant cultivation container, wherein the plants do not need to be transplanted during cultivation or growth. The container is provided with pull-out trays and this allows continuous adaptation of the container volume to the growth and development of the root system. The container of the invention provides for continuous oxygen and air supply to the root system and for development of fibrous roots contrary to root spiralisation which is typical of conventional containers. The pull-out tray has several functions: partitioning of container volume to compartments, retaining of excess water while watering, and as a drip tray when the entire container volume is in use. The walls of the container are provided with notches at various heights which in conjunction with several pull-out trays partition the entire volume of the container along its height to several compartments.

Abstract: A planting structure includes a trough and a plurality of lateral covers. The trough has a hollow space and a planting space, and a canal is formed inside of the trough; the lateral covers cover a lateral side of the trough and seals off the planting space. Accordingly, the planting structure can directly perform cycled transmissions of moisture or a gas via the canal, so as to control growth conditions such as temperature and humidity in the planting space and recycle nutrient solutions and excessive moisture, thereby benefitting crops or growth of the crops and achieving environmental protection and energy saving. In comparison to the conventional indoor organic cultivation, which is necessary to control the temperature and the humidity of the whole indoor space, the present invention only needs to control the pipelines with respect to the root portions of plants, and thus is easier to control and more energy-saving.

Abstract: A pot for a plant may include a container having an axis that is vertical, a base, a sidewall extending upward from the base, an interior, an exterior, drain holes extending from the interior to the exterior and an interior bottom. The container may be configured to receive and be stacked with a second container inside of the container. In one example, the legs of the second container may be configured to extend through the drain holes of the container beyond the interior bottom of the container. In another example, the legs of the second container may be visible from the exterior of the first container.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to agricultural growing apparatuses and methods. More specifically the present invention relates to a dynamic, modular, rotating apparatus, and methods related to the apparatus' use and/or function.

Abstract: An agricultural yield apparatus with a container made of a material that is impermeable to water and inert without leaching impurities to the surrounding natural environment and thereby is effective in segregating contents of the container from the surrounding natural environment and blocking seepage of the contents to the surrounding natural environment. The container encloses nutrients, water and a growth medium such as soil. The top of the container is closed except for at least one water and nutrition port and at least one vegetation growth port (or neck). The trunk of the vegetation passes through the at least one vegetation growth port (or neck). The container may be closed by a root membrane overlay having holes. The trunk of the vegetation passes through the holes in the holed root membrane overlay. Root direction channels may be beneath the overlay.

Abstract: Debris removal apparatus, systems, and methods of using the same are described. An example debris removal apparatus includes a shaft, an energy source, a motor, a fan attached to the motor, and a switch. The shaft has a lengthwise axis, a first end, a second end, a first portion, a second portion, a third portion and defines an opening on the second end, a passageway in fluid communication with the opening, and a plurality of inlet openings on the third portion of the shaft in fluid communication with the passageway. The motor is operatively connected to the energy source and disposed between the plurality of inlet openings and the second end of the shaft. The motor has a lengthwise axis extending through a drive shaft. The lengthwise axis of the motor is parallel to the lengthwise axis of the shaft. The switch is operatively connected to the motor.

Abstract: A method for plant treatment, including: receiving a first measurement for a plant from a sensor as the sensor moves within a geographic area comprising a plurality of plants; in response to receipt of the first measurement and prior to receipt of a second measurement for a second plant of the plurality, determining a set of treatment mechanism operation parameters for the plant to optimize a geographic area output parameter based on the first measurement and historical measurements for the geographic area; determining an initial treatment parameter for the plant; and operating a treatment mechanism in a treatment mode based on the set of operating parameters in response to satisfaction of the initial treatment parameter.

Abstract: A system and method for an engaging tool. Removing debris, trees and clearing land and paths requires the use of specific tool and machinery. To grind, break and shred wood, the machines must be fitted with proper attachments and engaging tools. One tool includes a front a front face and a back face connected by two opposing side faces and an opposing top face and base face. The front face has a concave shape and an outer channel which extends inwardly into the front face. The front face also has a tube a tube extending outwardly from said front face. The tube is located within the outer channel.

Abstract: A stump grinder has a grinding arm that durably mounts a rotatable grinding wheel by securing the drive shaft of a motor to the grinding wheel such that a pair of bearings within the motor support one side of the grinding wheel and by supporting the other side of the grinding wheel with a stub shaft received within a third bearing. The grinding arm is laterally offset on the frame of the stump grinder to have a swing angle that is not symmetrical relative to the width of the frame, but with the swing angle starting at one side of the frame and then traversing across substantially the entire width of the frame to improve the ability of the operator to see the grinding wheel. A single joystick is movable in orthogonal directions corresponding to desired up and down and side-to-side pivoting motions of the grinding arm. The joystick includes a depressible trigger for starting and stopping the operation of the grinding wheel.

Abstract: A drip emitter includes a frame, that can be made of plastic, and a membrane, that can be elastomeric; and both the frame and the membrane are formed by injection molding and are attached to each other.

Abstract: Embodiments for groundwater and solar energy usage optimization for an agricultural region in an Internet of Things (IoT) computing environment by one or more processors are described. An amount of water required for an agricultural region and an amount of solar energy required to pump the water in a water pumping system for the agricultural region may be determined according to groundwater characteristics, weather data, weather forecasts, solar energy forecasts, historical water pumping data, crop and soil characteristics, agricultural management strategies, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A control system for a low-volume irrigation system includes a plurality of valve controllers for opening and closing valves; an irrigation system controller for controlling the valve controllers in accordance with an irrigation plan; and a graphical user interface for allowing a user to interact with the irrigation controller and to create the irrigation plan. The graphical user interface displays an irrigation zone list, an irrigation set list, and an irrigation plan field. The user interface has drag and drop functionality that permits an irrigation zone listing from the irrigation zone list to be dragged and dropped into any of the irrigation set listings in the irrigation set list and that permits an irrigation zone listing or an irrigation set listing to be dragged and dropped into the irrigation plan to create irrigation steps within the irrigation plan.

Abstract: A soilless culture facility includes a frame supporting a plurality of profile sections extending parallel to each other in a horizontal plane, from a transverse loading area to a transverse harvesting area, and a plurality of supports, each suitable for receiving a culture substrate. The plurality of supports are longitudinally movable in the longitudinal gap defined by two adjacent profile sections. The movable supports are moved by a motor means suitable for modifying the distance between two consecutive supports during travel in the gap. The plurality of profile sections have opaque and flexible longitudinal joining side band strips, the joining side band strips of two adjacent profile sections joining to close the gap defined by the adjacent profile sections. The movable supports have arcuate slots in the front and rear cross-sections of same, to either side of a longitudinal vertical plane, the two band strips joining at the lower edge.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aeroponic plant growing system with improvement in efficiency, performance, and ease of maintenance. In an embodiment of the present invention, the aeroponic system comprises multiple aeroponic units and water cycle components, LED lights, sensors, and control components to support and operate the aeroponic units. Each aeroponic unit comprises a drainage tank to catch water, manifolds and spray nozzles to irrigate the plant clones, and one or more rooting trays. The rooting tray comprises rooting tubes extended from the apertures in which the plant clones are inserted. The rooting tubes are shaped and arranged in a manner such that a rooting tube shares its walls with its neighboring rooting tubes. In one embodiment, the cross section of a rooting tube is shaped as a hexagon with equal sides and multiple rooting tubes are arranged into a honeycomb structure.

Abstract: A hydroponic container growing system is provided. The growing system provides a closed growing environment providing climate and other growing conditions suitable for year-round plant production. The growing system may include a container having a plurality of subsystems therein. The plurality of subsystems may include a plant production system, an environmental regulation system, an energy capture system, a control system, and a dosage system. The plant production system may include an Ebb and Flow irrigation system and one or more Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) irrigation systems. A single reservoir may supply the Ebb and Flow irrigation system and a NFT irrigation system to provide a dual technique, single nutrient supply source irrigation system for plant production. An energy capture system which utilizes the kinetic energy of flowing liquid to generate electrical energy may be integrated into one or more irrigation systems within the plant production system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to production of renewable fuels and fuel components from plant oil originating from at least one Brassica species, where said Brassica species, doped with at least one nitrogen-fixing bacteria is cultivated, in a rotating manner by alternating with at least one nitrogen-fixing plant species, plant oil is obtained from the Brassica species, and converted to renewable fuel or renewable fuel components. The invention also relates to a method for reducing nitrate release in renewable fuel production. Further, the invention relates to a method for reducing greenhouse gases in renewable fuel production.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tomato plant (Solanum lycopersicum L.) which may comprise a genetic determinant that confers resistance to Pepino Mosaic Virus (PepMV), wherein the resistance is characterised by the presence of at least QTL1 and/or QTL2. The invention also relates to sources for obtaining said genetic determinant, representative seed of which were deposited with the NCIMB under accession numbers NCIMB 41927, NCIMB 41928, NCIMB 42068, and NCIMB 42069. The invention further relates to seeds and progeny of the plant and to its fruits and processed fruits. In addition the invention relates to molecular markers linked to PepMV resistance conferring QTLs and the use thereof.