Abstract: The invention involves a system and method for plant agriculture. The system includes a sheet of barrier material upon which soil is placed. A drip tube is placed in the soil so that the soil can be shaped, and the sheet material is placed over the top of the soil so that the edges of the sheet overlap. A seal, which may be soil, is placed on the overlapping edges of the sheet to hold the sheet material in a closed position. The crop is planted through the sheet material, and growth occurs through the aperture created during planting.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a platform structure of an electrically-driven tractor that can work while stably maintaining the center of gravity, the platform structure comprising: a front wheel part and a rear wheel part for transmitting power by 4-wheel driving; a cabin installed between the front wheel part and the rear wheel part and installed to enable a worker to ride thereon; a battery part for supplying power to the electrically-driven tractor; an hydraulic system for driving a working machine; and a three-point hitch installed at the rear of the hydraulic system to allow the working machine to be attached thereto.

Abstract: A draft link for a three-point hitch includes a longitudinal component, a first attachment end, a second attachment end, and a connector positioned on the second attachment end. The connector includes a first pin positioned within a first aperture of the connector and a second pin positioned within a second aperture of the connector. A first end of the first pin extends through an inner surface of the connector. A second end of the first pin extends through an outer surface of the connector. A first end and a second end of the second pin extend through an outer surface of the connector. The first pin forms an extension of an inner surface of the connector. The second pin is in contact with the first pin maintaining the position of the first pin.

Abstract: An agricultural machine includes a controller disposed in communication with a work implement, an output, and an input. Left and right float cylinders are attached to and interconnected with a frame and left and right connecting arms. A desired operating condition from a plurality of predefined settings is then solicited from an operator via the input, wherein the desired operating condition corresponds to a designated pressure setting of the left and right float cylinders. The work implement is operated in a float mode of operation and then commanded to a raised position. The controller automatically determines a maximum pressure and a position that the maximum pressure corresponds to for the left and right float cylinders. The controller automatically modifies the designated pressure setting of the left and right float cylinders in the database based on the maximum pressure and position for each of the left and right float cylinders.

Abstract: A system for identifying broken shear pins on an agricultural implement includes a plurality of shank assemblies. Each shank assembly includes an attachment structure coupling the shank assembly to the frame of the agricultural implement. Each shank assembly also includes shank pivotably coupled to the attachment structure and a shear pin extending through the attachment structure and the shank to prevent pivoting of the shank. The system also includes a first sensor configured to generate data indicative of vibrations of the frame and a second sensor configured to generate data indicative of the soil condition aft of each shank. Additionally, the system includes a computing system configured to determine when the shear pin of at least one shank assembly has failed. Furthermore, the computing system is configured to identify a location of each shank assembly with a failed shear pin.

Abstract: An agricultural machine for distributing product for feeding animals and/or forming their bedding, the agricultural distribution machine includes a casing and a loading door articulated in rotation on the casing about a first swivel axis, a complementary element articulated in rotation on the door about a second swivel axis and one main cylinder for operating the door, the or each main cylinder is articulated in rotation on the casing about a third swivel axis and on the complementary element about a fourth swivel axis and which further includes a rotation management device for the complementary element relative to the door including the or each main cylinder and one rotation switch configured to generate the rotational drive of the complementary element relative to the door based on the torque applied to the complementary element by the or each main cylinder.

Abstract: A method for operating a hydrostatic steering device for an agricultural utility vehicle, includes controlling a steering orbitrol of the hydrostatic steering device by a steering wheel via a steering column, deflecting a steering cylinder in accordance with a driver-side steering actuation of the steering wheel, detecting a steering actuation variable via a first sensor, detecting a steering position variable via a second sensor, in a normal operating mode, the control unit is configured to actuate the electric drive unit such that an actuating torque which increases continuously with the wheel steering angle is generated at the steering column and thus at the steering wheel, and in an emergency operating mode, the control unit is configured to control the electric drive unit such that an actuating torque is generated on the steering column and thus on the steering orbitrol to support driver-side steering actuation.

Abstract: A method for cultivating a piece of sloping farmland using an autonomous agricultural vehicle for performing an agricultural operation to attain the cultivating, the method including generating a cultivation plan for the piece of farmland, which plan includes multiple contiguous paths that extend over the piece of farmland, which paths are to be crossed by the autonomous vehicle in a predetermined order, and after the plan has been generated, controlling the autonomous vehicle such that it crosses the land by moving over each of the multiple contiguous paths according to the predetermined order, wherein a predetermined direction of movement of the autonomous vehicle over each of the paths depends on an angle of inclination of the each of these paths.

Abstract: An agricultural autonomous vehicle is provided which is operable to traverse a field and perform one or more detection tasks.

Abstract: An agricultural autonomous vehicle is provided which is operable to traverse a field and perform one or more detection tasks.

Abstract: Computer-implemented systems and methods are provided for automatically conforming guidance of work vehicles to detected conditions in a work area. Upon determining a deviation of a work vehicle's current movement path from a first planned movement path with respect to the work area, at least a portion of the work area may be identified as a region of interest, along with coverage characteristics associated with the region of interest, based at least in part on the determined deviation. A second planned movement path is generated for the work vehicle and/or another work vehicle subsequently traversing the work area relative to the region of interest, wherein the generated second planned movement path accounts for the coverage characteristics associated with the region of interest. The second planned movement path may be generated to avoid the region, prevent turns within the region, optimize work vehicle operation within the work area generally, etc.

Abstract: Disclosed is a seed spike assembly may include a body having an inclined back side and a front side that connect to form a substantially pointed end.

Abstract: A pneumatic seed meter for planters is provided which, according to its features, provides a pneumatic meter (1) having a specific mechanical structure integrated in planters and based on a structural fairing (2), two pulleys, an upper pulley (8) and a lower pulley (10), a seed conveyor belt (11) and an electric motor reducer drive (9), aimed at completely optimizing seed dispensing processes directly to the soil by an agricultural planter, the seeds being deposited in a perfectly uniform manner (without gaps or repetitions), together with increased safety and ergonomics for the operators and based on a highly robust, safe and versatile pneumatic meter (1).

Abstract: A seed plug planting system, method and apparatus comprising a seed plug containing a local environment surrounding a seed. The local environment comprises one or more inputs including, a soil input and a fertilizer input. The seed plug is planted into a global environment, such as field, by a planter. The planter plants the seed plug at a certain depth and orientation relative to the surface of the global environment.

Abstract: Agricultural seed planting systems include a processing unit, a frame, a furrow opener coupled to the frame for opening a furrow in soil, and a sensor in communication with the processing unit and adapted to sense a characteristic associated with seed planting. The sensor may generate a signal associated with the sensed characteristic and the processing unit may receive the signal. In some aspects, the sensed characteristic may be either a soil characteristic or a seed characteristic. Information associated with the sensed characteristic can be saved in memory for future use and to assist with more effective planting in the future.

Abstract: A device for distributing solid particles in a field, including elements for producing the solid particles from at least two solid, particulate compositions; the elements for producing including at least two containers for storing each of the solid, particulate compositions, wherein the elements for producing are capable of producing solid particles with different ratios of the at least two solid, particulate compositions; and elements for delivering the solid particles to the field. The present disclosure also provides a method for distributing solid, fertilizer particles to a field with the device.

Abstract: A manned mower includes a vehicle frame and a support portion used for supporting a user; a traveling wheel set supporting the vehicle frame; a mowing element driven by a mowing electric motor; and a controller configured to apply a drive signal to a driver circuit to control the operation of the mowing electric motor. The controller is configured to receive a first electrical parameter related to the current of the mowing electric motor and when the first electrical parameter satisfies a first preset condition, limit the first electrical parameter within a preset range. When the first electrical parameter is limited within the preset range, the controller is further configured to selectively use a first method or a second method to determine the rotor position of the mowing electric motor so that the mowing electric motor does not stop when the first electrical parameter is within the preset range.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a mowing method and apparatus, a robotic lawn mower, and a storage medium. The method includes: determining a current mowing direction of a robotic lawn mower according to a historical mowing direction in response to a mowing trigger request for the robotic lawn mower, the current mowing direction being different from the historical mowing direction; obtaining a preset grass region to be mowed; generating a mowing route following parallel arcuate paths pattern for traveling in the current mowing direction based on the grass region to be mowed, and a mowing mode and the current mowing direction of the robotic lawn mower; and controlling the robotic lawn mower to perform a mowing operation based on the mowing route following parallel arcuate paths pattern.

Abstract: An apparatus for an adjustable grass trimmer, is disclosed. The apparatus includes an elongated shaft comprising a first end and a second end. The apparatus includes a supporting device configured to support a trimmer, wherein the supporting device comprises of a set of three support members. The apparatus includes a plurality of wheels configured to be mounted on the supporting. The apparatus includes a one or more guard wheel stops affixed to each of the plurality of wheels.

Abstract: A push mower includes a body including at least a traveling assembly, a traveling motor driving the traveling assembly, a cutting assembly, and a cutting motor driving the cutting assembly; a handle device connected to the body and including at least an operating member for a user to operate; a controller configured to control at least the working states of the traveling motor and the cutting motor; and a power interface for connecting a power supply energy capable of supplying power to at least the traveling motor and the cutting motor. The traveling motor is drivable by an external force to generate a motor energy. The controller is configured to, when the traveling motor generates the motor energy, cut off an electrical energy transmission path of the traveling motor.

Abstract: A ride-on zero-turn work machine has two drive control levers longitudinally pivotable for locomotive and steering control, and laterally tiltable inboard and outboard for parking brake control. Two brake control linkages are each connected between one of the levers and one of the parking brakes. Each linkage features a rotatable bell crank, a brake connection link running from the bell crank to the parking brake, and a lever connection link having one end coupled to the bell crank, and another coupled to drive control lever. The bell crank is a flat plate to which the links are coupled at a same common side, and whose outer perimeter includes a cam profile that is engaged by a cam follower to resist movement of the control lever between inboard and outboard positions. The perimeter edge of each bell crank also engages a position detection switch in one of the inboard and positions.

Abstract: A push working machine includes a body including at least a traveling assembly, a traveling motor driving the traveling assembly, a functional assembly, and a functional motor driving the functional assembly; a handle device connected to the body and including at least an operating member for a user to operate; a controller configured to control at least the working states of the traveling motor and the functional motor; and a power interface for connecting electrical energy capable of supplying power to at least the traveling motor and the functional motor. The controller is configured to, in response to a start signal, be capable of controlling the traveling motor to accelerate to the first speed with the first acceleration and accelerate to the target self-propelled speed with the second acceleration.

Abstract: Provided in the present disclosure are a cutter head, a grass chopping structure, and a lawn mower. The cutter head includes a cutter head body and blades; the cutter head body surface A is provided with a central part connected to a rotary driving component; the cutter head body edge part can be connected to a mowing cutter; and the blades are disposed on the cutter head body surface A. The grass chopping structure includes the cutter head and a protective cover sleeved on the cutter head body surface A and edge part, where the protective cover is provided with air guide holes along a circumferential direction of the cutter head. The lawn mower has the above cutter head or the above grass chopping structure. When the cutter head rotates, the blades also rotate together to generate airflow to implement grass chopping, thereby reducing the formation of grass clumps.

Abstract: A device configured to be connected to a machine that is movable over a ground surface, the device comprising: a variable bridge, said variable bridge defining an elongated axis, wherein said variable bridge is movable, in a translation movement, in a vertical axis and is movable in a rotational movement around the vertical axis, the vertical axis is orthogonal to the elongated axis, said variable bridge comprising a core segment and two extension segments, each of said two extension segments is connected to said core segment at an end of said core segment by a joint enabling rotation movement of a corresponding extension segment; two moveable heads mounted on said variable bridge, each of which is mounted on a different extension segment. The device is configured to be permanently attached to said machine, or attachable to and detachable from said machine.

Abstract: A control device for controlling a self-propelled combine harvester. The combine harvester comprises a draper having a plurality of conveyor belts driven at a belt speed for collecting and conveying harvested material to a conveying device in the feed channel of the combine harvester, a plurality of working units arranged or positioned downstream from the feed channel for processing the picked-up harvested material, and a drive motor for driving the draper, the conveying device, the working units and a travel drive for operating the combine harvester at a driving speed which is regulated by the control device. The control device is configured to determine the utilization of the drive motor during harvesting mode and to automatically reduce the belt speed of the conveyor belts of the draper when a first limit value for a peak capacity of the drive motor saved in the control device is exceeded.

Abstract: A monitoring system for a conveying system of an agricultural harvester includes a controller configured to receive a sensor signal indicative of a thickness of a mat of agricultural product formed by a pair of opposing belts. The controller is also configured to determine a volume of the mat based on the thickness, identify variations in the thickness of the mat along a translational direction of the mat, identify variations in the thickness of the mat along a lateral direction crosswise to the translational direction, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, the controller is configured to output an output signal based on the volume of the mat, the variations in the thickness of the mat along the translational direction, the variations in the thickness of the mat along the lateral direction, or the combination thereof.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for automatically adjusting conditioning rollers of a crimping implement, such as those used to condition hay or other crimped crops, such as cover crops. Adjustments can be made on the fly to rollers, crimpers, or down pressure applicators used to condition the crop based on several factors such as the condition of the crop, the type of crop, and more. Sensors can be used to detect the crops and others' conditions before and after conditioning, and automatic adjustments can be made, such as the distance between conditioning rollers, and/or the pressure applied by the rollers, etc. to meet a desired crop condition for the crimped crop.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for harvesting cotton that includes an air supply system with a cotton flow accelerator having an air source and a nozzle having an inlet configured to receive air from the air source and an outlet configured to direct airflow pushing cotton away from a cross auger. The cotton flow accelerator further includes one or more ducts coupling the nozzle to the air source to form an air path therethrough, wherein the nozzle is coupled adjacent to the cross auger and directs the airflow to define a positive airflow at the cross auger.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for harvesting cotton that includes an air duct for a cotton stripper having a first portion having a rear separation duct panel configured to separate non-cotton material from cotton material, wherein the rear separation duct has a planar lower wall. The air duct further includes a second portion movably coupled to the first portion, wherein the second portion has an opening configured as an inlet that receives the cotton material and the non-cotton material, and the second portion has an open floor portion. The planar lower wall of the rear separation duct panel extends to overlap with at least part of the open floor portion.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for harvesting cotton that includes an air duct for a cotton stripper having a body having a passageway therethrough, wherein the body has a curved portion. The air duct further includes a plurality of protruding members extending into the passageway, wherein the plurality of protruding members comprises a first type of obstructing members and a second type of obstructing members. The first type of obstructing members is different than the second type of obstructing members, and the plurality of protruding members extend along the curved portion of the body.

Abstract: A shaker mechanism for an agricultural harvester. The shaker mechanism adapted to shake a crop while the agricultural harvester is moving, wherein the shaker mechanism is operatively associated with the agricultural harvester so that the shaker mechanism is movable at zero velocity relative to the crop being shook while the agricultural harvester continuously moves at a non-zero velocity.

Abstract: Provided is a corn detasseling inspection robot and a method for performing detasseling by using the same. The corn detasseling inspection robot includes a control terminal, a moving device and a detasseling device; wherein the control terminal includes a detection module, a detasseling control module and a tassel recognition module; the detection module is configured for acquiring an image of a corn plant; the tassel recognition module is configured for judging whether there is a corn tassel on the corn plant based on the image of the corn plant, and determining a position of a root of the corn tassel based on a detasseling operation point prediction model in the case where there is the corn tassel on the corn plant; and the detasseling control module is configured for controlling the moving device and using the detasseling device to perform detasseling based on the position of the root.

Abstract: A mower implement comprising may include a main frame, a cutter assembly, a hyperspectral sensor, and a controller. The hyperspectral sensor is coupled to the main frame, receives reflectance from a target area disposed rearward of the cutter assembly and including the windrow, and generates a signal indicative of light spectrums of the target area. The controller has a processor and a memory having a windrow distribution algorithm stored therein. The processor is operable to execute the windrow distribution algorithm to: receive the signal indicative of the light spectrums of the target area from the hyperspectral sensor; calculate a normalized difference index based on the signal indicative of the light spectrums of the target area; estimate a volumetric spread of the windrow; and control a machine system based on the volumetric spread. The machine system includes one of a display, an actuator, and a drivetrain component.

Abstract: A manned mower includes a traveling wheel set; a vehicle frame; a support portion used for supporting an operator; a traveling electric motor used for driving the traveling wheel set; and a power supply assembly used for supplying power to at least the traveling electric motor and including at least one detachable battery pack. The vehicle frame includes a left bracket portion and a right bracket portion for supporting the power supply assembly, the power supply assembly is disposed between the left bracket portion and the right bracket portion, and a maximum inner width W1 of the left bracket portion and the right bracket portion in a left and right direction is less than or equal to 700 mm, and total energy of a single row of the power supply assembly along the left and right direction is greater than or equal to 8 kW·h.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a concave which has axially extending members and circumferentially extending members. With the round axially extending, members elevated, causing the crop to roll and break apart and a concave drop plate that serves as a reservoir to allowing much more even feeding of material across the entire width of the concave. The concave transfer plate allows a more efficient and complete separation process while reducing engine horsepower requirements, thus fuel consumption.

Abstract: A wrap floor control system for a wrap floor of a cotton harvester with a cotton module forming chamber includes an actuator that moves the wrap floor and a timer module. A floor engagement module commands the wrap floor actuator to move the wrap floor to an engaged position in response to determining initiation of the wrap cycle and commands the wrap floor actuator to move the wrap floor to a disengaged position in response to the timer module indicating that the timer is equal to or greater than a first threshold value. A belt control module drives a wrap floor belt in response to determining initiation of the wrap cycle.

Abstract: A nip system is provided for use with an associated wrap floor assembly that is movable between lowered and raised positions relative to a chassis supporting a module builder of an associated harvester. Wrap frame roller members are connected with a frame structure of the associated wrap floor assembly, wherein the wrap frame roller members are movable together with the associated wrap floor assembly between the lowered and raised positions relative to the chassis of the associated harvester. Chassis roller members are provided that are biased relative to the chassis of the associated harvester towards the associated wrap floor assembly. A method of retrofitting a nip system provides a persistent nonhomogeneous nip system in an associated wrap floor assembly that is movable between lowered and raised positions relative to a chassis supporting a module builder of an associated harvester.

Abstract: The present invention provides a handheld working machine including an operating rod held with a hand to perform work and a working machine unit provided on a head end of the operating rod. The operating rod includes a straight part extending in a direction of extension of a working device of the working machine unit and a curved part connecting the straight part to the working machine unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for converting thresholds in plant breeding are provided. One example computer-implemented method includes accessing data indicative of hybrid plants at a first stage of a breeding pipeline, where the data includes values of parameter(s) of the hybrid plants; imposing a first threshold(s) included in a product definition for the breeding pipeline on the accessed data, whereby ones of the hybrid plants are considered at the first stage of the breeding pipeline based on satisfying the first threshold(s), and where the first threshold(s) is specific to one of the parameter(s); measuring the value(s) of the parameter(s) for the considered ones of the multiple hybrid plants; generating, based on an aggregate of the measured values of the parameter(s) for the considered ones of the multiple hybrid plants, a second threshold(s); and repeating the above for a second stage of the breeding pipeline with the second threshold(s).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a plant cultivator, and more specifically, to an open plant cultivator that, by disposing a light source part having a plurality of light source elements on the horizontal extension part of the handle, can generate a sufficient amount of light to grow a plurality of plants, and can evenly transmit the light generated to a cultivation port part.

Abstract: A controlled environment agriculture (CEA) solution that utilizes a planar layer of flowing air across an indoor crop tray or other planar surface containing crops. The flow of air is coupled with applications of fog. Crops include plants and fungi. The fog (e.g., via fogponics) delivers moisture and other embedded nutrients to a set of crops. In embodiments, the nutrients, moisture level, and temperature of the fog are adjusted for the optimized crop growth. Different laminar motions of air affect movement of different fog compositions. Thus, an indoor farming shelving unit, crop tray, etc., functions as tunable microenvironments, upon which divergent plants/fungi are grown.

Abstract: An assistance device includes: an acquisition unit configured to acquire reference data that is data of standard time-series change of a state of a specific crop and measurement data obtained by measuring a time-series change in a state of the specific crop; and a determination unit configured to determine cultivation work with respect to cultivation of the specific crop 1) based on a change rate of the state accompanying a time-series change in the reference data and a change rate of the state accompanying a time-series change in the measurement data, 2) based on a value of the state in the reference data and a value of the state in the measurement data, or 3) based on an integrated value of a time-series change of the state in the reference data and an integrated value of a time-series change of the state in the measurement data.

Abstract: A forestry apparatus includes a lifting linkage supported from a main frame. The lifting linkage includes a boom. At least one lifting linkage actuator adjusts the height of the boom. A grapple is suspended from the boom and includes first and second grapple tongs and a grapple actuator configured to move the grapple tongs in a closing motion from an open position toward a closed position. At least one position sensor is configured to detect positions of first and second grapple tong tips relative to the main frame or relative to the ground surface. A controller receives the at least one position signal and automatically controls the at least one lifting linkage actuator to coordinate the positions of the grapple tong tips relative to the main frame or relative to the ground surface with the closing motion of the grapple tongs.

Abstract: A culture soil for plants includes a fungus of genus Cladophialophora, and one kind of soil of strongly acidic organic cultivation soil, strongly acidic conventional cultivation soil, or weakly acidic to neutral organic cultivation soil. Alternatively, a culture soil for plants contains fungi, which are Exophiala sp. SK47 or a mutant isolate thereof, and strongly acidic organic cultivation soil or strongly acidic conventional cultivation soil; a method of cultivating plant using the culture soil; and a seedling of a plant with culture soil are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to plant irrigation devices and systems. The presently disclosed plant watering devices are operable and can be arranged to deliver water directly to the root system of a plant. Also, the present disclosure relates to plant watering systems using the presently disclosed devices. Also, the present invention relates to plant watering devices that have an exterior threading that can be easily inserted into the ground by rotation like a screw.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing Internet of Things (“IoT”)-based microwell solution for irrigation. In various embodiments, in response to receiving, from the plurality of sensors, first sensor data indicative of environmental conditions within an area, a computing system may analyze the first sensor data to determine parameters associated with water requirements within the area, may generate a water distribution plan based at least in part on the determined parameters, and may map the generated water distribution plan to a positional map of a plurality of microwells disposed at pre-installed locations within the area. The computing system may generate and send instructions to the microwells to pump water from an underground water source(s) (in some cases, surface water sources as well) and to irrigate plants or crops in the area using integrated irrigation systems, based on the mapping. The microwells and sensors may utilize IoT functionalities.

Abstract: An apparatus for effecting water potential in a water-containing media comprising a water-permeable housing, a volume changing material that can retain water, a compressible insert and a receiver for receiving and transducing a signal, is provided.

Abstract: A method for screening tobacco resistance against root-knot nematode based on intensive seedling production is provided. The method has two biological properties: inducing and stimulating the hatching of nematode eggs by host root exudates, and easily infecting the root cap elongation zone by hatched second-instar larvae. The second-instar larvae hatched by the root-knot nematode eggs are continuously inoculated. After that, under cultivating the infected tobacco seedlings in shallow water infiltrating and humidifying substrate, the created temperature, humidity and air permeability conditions are suitable for disease induction. After disease investigation, disease index is calculated, and the resistance of tested cultivars is evaluated according to the disease index. The method features simple operation, high selection efficiency, and high accuracy and reproducibility.

Abstract: A plurality of freestanding non-porous planting blocks, each containing a plurality of tapered planting cells, are used in conjunction with a water container. Each planting cell has non-permeable sidewalls as well as open top and bottom apertures. The bottom apertures of the planting cells on the bottom surface of the corresponding planting block, will be submersed in water within the container allowing for subirrigation. The container can be an in-ground reservoir or a manufactured container of permanent or portable nature. Plant material placed in the planting cells, with or without planting media, will grow into field-ready plants for storage or harvest. The system is used for economically enhanced plant production of field-ready trees, shrubs, forbs, perennials, vegetables and grasses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a growing system for hydroponics, comprising a gutter and a tape, wherein the gutter is open at the top and comprises a receptacle for a fluid that extends along the longitudinal direction of the gutter and wherein the tape is fixed in the gutter in an upright position in the longitudinal direction of the gutter and partially extends beyond the open top and wherein the tape is for holding or supporting propagating material. The propagating material comprises for example seeds, germinated seeds, seedlings, plantlets or cuttings. In use, the tape is in contact with a fluid in the receptacle for wicking the fluid through the tape. In a preferred embodiment, the tape comprises at least two layers that are partially held together but are preferably not held together at the part that extends beyond the open top of the gutter. The invention further relates to a method of growing plants using the growing system.