Abstract: An internet of things (IoT) based hydroponic farm system is described. The hydroponic farm system includes a cloud server, a plurality of hydroponic farms, and a plurality of user computing stations. The cloud server includes a data distribution service domain that includes data distribution service middleware configured to use a real-time publish-subscribe protocol to wirelessly communicate hydroponic farm information. Each of the hydroponic farms is divided into a plurality of hydroponic plant growing zones that are configured to grow at least one species of plant. Each hydroponic plant growing zone includes a zone controller. A farm controller is assigned to each of the hydroponic farms.

Abstract: An internet of things (IoT) based hydroponic farm system is described. The hydroponic farm system includes a cloud server, a plurality of hydroponic farms, and a plurality of user computing stations. The cloud server includes a data distribution service domain that includes data distribution service middleware configured to use a real-time publish-subscribe protocol to wirelessly communicate hydroponic farm information. Each of the hydroponic farms is divided into a plurality of hydroponic plant growing zones that are configured to grow at least one species of plant. Each hydroponic plant growing zone includes a zone controller. A farm controller is assigned to each of the hydroponic farms.

Abstract: An embodiment of the novel and inventive vertical hydroponic system comprises a double-sided system, each side having two sets of double-door tile panels. Each door is mounted on hinges attached at either the right or left sides of an external support frame with the doors opening out from the middle. Each door in this embodiment may support a 6×4 array of novel and inventive tiles, each tile arranged with two columns of 3 pot supports, each such tile capable of supporting 6 grow pots, for a total of 144 grow pots per door. In this embodiment all four doors can support up to 576 grow pots. However, an infinite number of tile variations are possible with the 2×3 array being just one. The doors can be opened during the growth cycle without disconnecting or interrupting the irrigation components which allows for fast and easy harvesting and maintenance. A submersible pump and its control electronics are mounted in the support framework so the system is self-contained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for applying biochar to turf and landscape to allow the turf and landscape to be effectively maintained under reduced water and/or reduced fertilizer applications.

Abstract: A sports field comprises a base structure and a cover. The cover is at least partly permeable to fluid, especially water. The base structure comprises voids for containing fluid. The base structure forms a substantially continuous deck supporting the cover. The cover comprises or is formed by an artificial sports layer, such as artificial grass. At least a number of the voids are in fluid communication with each other. Wick elements are provided fluidly connecting at least a number of the voids with the cover for supplying fluid from the voids to the top layer.

Abstract: There is provided a plastic infiltration unit comprising: a top deck, at least one pillar extending from the top deck, wherein the at least one pillar includes a plurality of compartments, wherein at least one of the compartments is laterally enclosed, and wherein the top deck and the at least one pillar are produced in one piece. There is further provided a plastic base plate for use with a plastic infiltration unit. There is further provided a plastic infiltration unit side plate. There is yet further provided a plastic in filtration system for deployment underground comprising a plastic infiltration unit and a plastic base plate, wherein the at least one pillar of the plastic infiltration unit is received at the receiving location of the plastic base plate.

Abstract: An impact-absorbing assembly includes a covering layer being one or more of artificial turf, rubber mats, polymer mats, short pile carpeting, particulate infill, wood chips, and ground rubber chips. Also included is a layer of underlayment panels positioned beneath the covering layer. The panels have a panel section with a plurality of drain holes formed therethrough. A top surface of the panels is configured to support the covering layer. A bottom surface of the panels has a plurality of bottom projections that cooperate to define bottom channels suitable to permit water flow across the bottom surface, the bottom channels being in fluid communication with the panel drain holes. The bottom projections define a first spring rate characteristic that is part of a first stage and a second spring rate characteristic is part of a second stage, the first stage having a smaller volume of material than the second stage.

Abstract: A plant pot assembly includes a plant pot defining an inner volume, having an upper pot edge and including a mounting flange. A plurality of ridges featuring a plurality of drainage holes are formed above the bottom surface of the plant pot. A drainage passageway and an opening is formed below the bottom surface of the plant pot for further draining excessive water in the plant pot.

Abstract: A planting system having a plurality of potting trays that can be interconnected in a modular fashion to create a multitude of different configurations. Each potting tray has a plurality of holes operatively connected with a conduit through which plumbing can be incorporated into the planting system to water plants in the potting trays via the plurality of holes. A plurality of pedestals may be used to elevate the planting system. Lateral braces may be used to interconnect the plurality of pedestals.

Abstract: An erosion control plank is provided. The plank is a lattice of intersecting vertical walls and horizontal walls and includes an opening to permit a stake to secure the plank over an eroded region. The plank can be secured by a stake. The eroded region is filled with appropriate fill material which would pass through the lattice. Plants and other growth are introduced onto the plank and fill material on or through the lattice where their root networks would help secure the fill and the plank and prevent erosion. The plank is rectangular and includes connectors to permit multiple planks to be secured to one another in both a horizontal and vertical relationship, allowing the erosion control planks to fit over any of a variety of eroded surfaces and to prevent erosion from occurring there again. The erosion control planks may also be used on a non-eroded area to prevent the onset of erosion.

Abstract: There is provided a plastic infiltration unit comprising: a top deck which extends in a plane, at least one pillar extending from the top deck for supporting the top deck, wherein the top deck is provided with at least one integrated connector arranged to connect the plastic infiltration unit with another at least one integrated connector, of another plastic infiltration unit in a side by side arrangement.

Abstract: Growth device for crop, comprising a panel-shaped structure, a substrate included in the panel-shaped structure for receiving crop, at least one water reservoir included in the panel-shaped structure, connecting means to bring the water reservoir in communication with the substrates for moistening the substrate, wherein the water reservoir extends substantially above a bottom side of the substrate in a vertical position of use of the growth device.

Abstract: A vertical planter having a partitioned tray, a liner, and a sliding wire support grid, wherein the partitioned tray engages the sliding wire support grid to provide access to the partitioned tray.

Abstract: A grow plant enclosure to maximize plant density for a given growing area has a perimeter frame, a first pane, and a second pane. The first pane is adjacently connected to the perimeter frame, while the second pane is removably attached to the perimeter frame opposite the first pane to form a hollow enclosure. A plurality of plug holder openings traverses through the first pane, and optionally the second pane, being designed to receive a plurality of plant holders for growing various plant types. A plurality of supply tubes traverse into the perimeter frame through a plurality of supply tube openings and each have a plurality of spray nozzles to deliver nutrient solution to the root zone of the plants retained in the plurality of plant holders. Excess nutrient solution is released through a drain fixture positioned about the bottom of the perimeter frame.

Abstract: A modular precipitation or rain water retention system having one or more interconnected reservoir retention modules that cooperate to manage effluent from a precipitation event. At least some of the modules are configured to retain an initial amount of rainfall and then meter out the rain water. Each module has one or more frustoconical support structures joined by hollow interconnecting ribs that create a reservoir so that within each reservoir, wells are defined for rainwater retention. At least some of the frustoconical support structures have tops that may underlie a secondary system such as a green layer.

Abstract: A sports field comprises a base structure and a cover. The cover is at least partly permeable to fluid, especially water. The base structure comprises voids for containing fluid. The base structure forms a substantially continuous deck supporting the cover. The cover comprises or is formed by an artificial sports layer, such as artificial grass. At least a number of the voids are in fluid communication with each other. Wick elements are provided fluidly connecting at least a number of the voids with the cover for supplying fluid from the voids to the top layer.

Abstract: Embodiments include but are not limited to modular living wall systems. A module of a modular living wall system may include a frame including a plurality of rails, each rail coupled to another rail by their respective ends, and a fabric arrangement mounted onto the frame and including a first fabric and a second fabric overlaying the first fabric, wherein the first fabric is a hydrophilic mat, and wherein the second fabric includes at least one opening exposing the first fabric and configured to receive a plant. The living wall system includes integrated irrigation. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.

Abstract: A green roof modular system includes at least four planter modules each including a planter including a bottom wall and a plurality of sidewalls that cooperate with the bottom wall to form an interior space, and a biodegradable insert including a plurality of sidewalls that cooperate with one another to form an interior space, wherein the insert is adapted to retain a plant matter in the interior space of the insert, the plurality of sidewalls of the insert extending above the plurality of sidewalls of the planter, and wherein the plurality of the sidewalls of the insert are adapted to retain a plant matter that extends above the plurality of sidewalls of the planter, such that one of the planter modules abuts each of the remaining three planter modules and substantially no gap exists between the abutting planter modules in plan view.

Abstract: Method for the floating cultivation of a plant, in which, in a first stage of growth, the roots of the plant are kept at a distance from a water supply situated underneath the plant. The supply of moisture to the plant can be effected via the intermediate space between the float for the plant and the water supply and from the top side of the plant. As the plant develops further, the root system grows in the direction of the water supply and, in a second stage of growth, the vast majority of the water requirement is satisfied directly by the water supply. This is achieved by way of a panel which floats on the water supply and is provided with holes for accommodating the plant. This panel may be provided with recesses which are closed at their top sides and reduce the area of contact with the water and provide closed chambers.

Abstract: An ecological mobile container includes a heat preservation layer, a drainage groove, a water storage layer, a root resistance layer, a drainage filter layer, a water transport pipe and enclosure panels. The water storage layer, the root resistance layer and the drainage filter layer sequentially stack on the heat preservation layer. The enclosure panels buckle on the top of a side frame of the water storage layer and form an open containing space. The water transport pipe inserts into the side frame along two diagonal through holes of the side frame. Because of the automatic drip irrigation system (the water transport pipe) through the middle of the container, the container can replenish water automatically.

Abstract: A prevegetated blanket is formed, grown, and transported to an installation site in a tray specifically suited for this purpose. Growth in a tray system offers an improved and protected root system and provides for ease of transport and installation. The tray has side walls and a t-grid floor to permit growth of the blanket. The tray also has interlocking capabilities for nestable or non-nestable stacking. After growth in a controlled environment, the prevegetated blanket with the tray is transferred to a specific site and installed immediately after soil is prepared. Due to the tray design, the product is light weight and facilitates ease of handling with minimal disturbance of the root structure.

Abstract: Vegetative systems are described. In one embodiment, a vegetative system has substantially distinct or separate zones or layers in which each zone or layer performs primarily one of the functions of water retention, a growth medium for vegetation, and weed suppression. An upper may comprise coarse aggregate and serve the primary function of weed suppression; a middle layer may comprise a mixture of coarse aggregate, fine aggregate, and fine organic material and serve primarily as a growth medium for vegetation; and a lower layer may comprise high-density hygroscopic material and serve the primary function of water retention.

Abstract: Vegetative systems are described. In one embodiment, a vegetative system has substantially distinct or separate zones or layers in which each zone or layer performs primarily one of the functions of water retention, a growth medium for vegetation, and weed suppression. An upper may comprise coarse aggregate and serve the primary function of weed suppression; a middle layer may comprise a mixture of coarse aggregate, fine aggregate, and fine organic material and serve primarily as a growth medium for vegetation; and a lower layer may comprise high-density hygroscopic material and serve the primary function of water retention.

Abstract: Vegetative systems are described. In one embodiment, a vegetative system has substantially distinct or separate zones or layers in which each zone or layer performs primarily one of the functions of water retention, a growth medium for vegetation, and weed suppression. An upper may comprise coarse aggregate and serve the primary function of weed suppression; a middle layer may comprise a mixture of coarse aggregate, fine aggregate, and fine organic material and serve primarily as a growth medium for vegetation; and a lower layer may comprise high-density hygroscopic material and serve the primary function of water retention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a roof growth system, comprising: at least one holder-like container (6) for placing on a roof (3, 5) and having a growth substrate (18) therein during use; a connection (11, 12) for arranging the container on the roof at least during use, further comprising: at least one conduit (17) to be connected at least to a liquid source; and an irrigation (8) which is associated with the holder-like container and which can be connected at least to the conduit, wherein the connection comprises an engagement (22, 23) formed on or between an outer side of a side wall of the container and the conduit.

Abstract: A planting container body (1) has a bottom wall (3) and side walls (4) forming a planting space (2) and also has a water-holding section for holding planting water supplied to the planting space (2). The water-holding section has a water discharge opening (12) for overflow. In a horizontal position (A) in which the planting space (2) opens upward, the bottom wall (3) and the side walls (4) form a horizontal water-holding section for holding planting water. In a vertical position in which the planting space (2) opens sideways, a vertical water-holding section for holding planting water is formed by the bottom wall (3), side walls (4), and a dam section (8) formed facing the bottom wall (3) on the side wall (4) that is the bottom surface. A water discharge start section of the water discharge opening (12) is located at a position a predetermined distance away from the bottom wall (3) and a predetermined distance away from a side wall (4).

Abstract: A green roof planter module includes a planter including a bottom wall, a plurality of sidewalls each including an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the bottom wall and the plurality of sidewalls cooperate with one another to form an interior space, and a biodegradable collar member extending upwardly from at least a select one of the biodegradable sidewalls, wherein at least a portion of the collar member is in-molded within the upper portion of at least one of the sidewalls, and wherein the collar member is adapted to retain a plant matter that extends above the plurality of sidewalls.

Abstract: The presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) relates generally to packaging materials for packaging articles. The packaging materials may include a substratum with a printed pattern disposed thereon that provides a grass-like appearance, and/or the packaging materials may include a plurality of individual strips, strands, or units of material bondably connected thereto.

Abstract: A green roof planter module includes a planter including a bottom wall, a plurality of sidewalls each including an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the bottom wall and the plurality of sidewalls cooperate with one another to form an interior space, and a biodegradable collar member extending upwardly from at least a select one of the biodegradable sidewalls, wherein at least a portion of the collar member is in-molded within the upper portion of at least one of the sidewalls, and wherein the collar member is adapted to retain a plant matter that extends above the plurality of sidewalls.

Abstract: A greening system is disclosed for enabling plants/vegetation to grow only with natural rainfall, enabling a garden to be constructed on building rooftops, minimizing the applicable loads on the building and risk of leakage. Planting container 1 comprises box 2 with stickers 3 to carry perforated partition panel 4. The lower half of the container is constituted as water storage 5, and drain holes 6 are opened on sides of the container. Soil layer 7 placed on partition panel 4 is formed of light woody soil-based on charcoal 9 and humus timber chips for absorbing moisture transported from the water 8 stored in water storage 5 by evaporation or difference in humidity, to increase water capacity and reduce amount of water evaporating into the air. Charcoal 9 absorbs water from the air inside the lower half of the container to water the plants.

Abstract: A water collection tray for vegetative and non-vegetative rooftop systems includes sidewalls, a bottom, and an open top that defines an interior region. A water separation barrier located in the interior region between the bottom and the top has multiple openings through which water admitted to the tray enters a water collector. A drain opening out of the tray from the water collector and in fluid communication with a water flow regulator causes all of the water flowing out of the drain to pass through the water flow regulator. Multiple water collection trays configured in an interlocking system provide for attenuation of rainfall to reduce peak flows of stormwater runoff from rooftops.

Abstract: The system is based on placing on the façade a suitably anchored metal structure to which is fixed a plastic panel supporting geomesh layers that constitute support for the plants. At the top of these geomesh layers drip irrigation nozzles are arranged, supplied by a water recirculation pipe, and excess water is collected in a channel, which is then filtered, analysed, supplemented with fertilizer and acids, all under computer control. There is also the option to empty the recirculation circuit and add new water treated by reverse osmosis from a tank.

Abstract: A green-roof planter assembly includes a first planter module and a second planter module each including a bottom wall and a plurality of side walls that cooperate with the bottom wall to form an interior space of the respective planter module, at least a pair of the plurality of sidewalls of each of the modules cooperate to form a corner therebetween having a length extending therealong, and wherein each of the planter modules includes a relief located along a length of the respective corner. The planter assembly further includes a coupler member removably received within the release of each of the planter modules, thereby inhibiting vertical movement of each of the planter modules with respect to one another.

Abstract: Described herein is a module for covering a surface with vegetation. The module comprises a drainage board having an upper surface for supporting a growth medium. The drainage board has a plurality of moisture receptacles extending downwardly from the upper surface for collecting moisture. The module also comprises a plurality of sidewalls having a multiplicity of apertures therethrough. Each sidewall is coupled to the drainage board and extends upwardly therefrom. The sidewalls cooperate with each other so as to provide a perimeter for surrounding the growth medium. The module may also include other features. For example, the sidewalls may be pivotally coupled to the drainage board (e.g. along a living hinge), the module may include couplers for securing adjacent modules together, the sidewalls may include a reinforcing rib, the drainage board may include an opening for receiving an irrigation nozzle therein, and there may be edging for covering the sidewalls.

Abstract: An ecological greening wall and a construction method thereof are provided. The ecological greening wall comprises a plurality of fixed poles (2) arranged at intervals on the ground (1), and a reinforcement (3) with openings is fixedly connected between the fixed poles (2) and arranged along the fixed poles (2) in a vertical direction. Stacked vegetation bags (4) for greening are provided on at least one side of the reinforcement (3), and each includes a breathable and permeable bag body (41) and a vegetation base material (42) filled in the bag body (41). The bag body (41) and the reinforcement (3) are fixedly connected together by a reinforcing wall (6) so as to form a whole body by the reinforcing wall (6), the reinforcement (3) and the vegetation bag (4). The ecological greening wall has a simple and firm structure, and it is easy to be constructed.

Abstract: A modular planting system for roof applications includes a plurality of green roof planter modules each comprising a planter including a bottom wall and a plurality of sidewalls that cooperate with the bottom wall to form an interior space, and a biodegradable insert including a bottom wall and a plurality of sidewalls that cooperate with the bottom wall to form an interior space, wherein the insert is adapted to retain a plant matter in the interior space of the insert, the plurality of sidewalls of the insert extend above the plurality of sidewalls of the planter, and wherein the plurality of sidewalls of the insert are adapted to retain a plant matter that extends above the plurality of sidewalls of the planter.

Abstract: A vegetative roof system includes modules for holding growth media in which plants can grow. The modules can communicate with each other, sharing moisture/nutrients, increasing airflow to enhance plant respiration, allowing soil-borne animals/insects to travel between modules, etc. A rooting channel and/or a scalloped sidewall allow the roots of plants in the module to extend to adjacent modules. Alignment notches in sidewalls facilitate alignment of rooting channels between adjacent modules. Vertical zones help facilitate placement of abutting modules flush with each other. The rooting channels may be formed at the vertical zones to enhance continuity between and among modules. Sheet inserts can control rooting between modules and restrict undesired spillage through rooting channels (temporarily if biodegradable). Module inserts help control the quantity and depth of growth media, affecting module weight and rooting levels.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a green roof system that includes a tray or array of trays designed to work in a drip irrigation system. The tray frame preferably has an open bottom covered by a filter fabric.

Abstract: A modular unit, system and method include a base layer having a plurality of reservoirs configured to prevent water flow through a lower portion, the lower portion for contacting a support surface, and having interlocking portions configured to interlock adjacent base layers when installed. A water permeable layer is disposed over the base layer. A detachable wall is mountable on the base layer to contain planting media. The water permeable layer may include a water-holding capillary fabric mat layer with entangled filaments.

Abstract: An interlocking roof tray adapted for placement on a roof surface and including a bottom surface and sidewalls defining an interior region of the tray. A dovetail projection extends outwardly away from the interior region in one sidewall, and a dovetail recess extends inwardly into the interior region in a sidewall opposite the dovetail projection. An interlocking roof tray assembly is formed from a plurality of the roof trays. Adjacent interlocking roof trays are secured together by dovetail joints formed form the dovetail projections and dovetail recesses.

Abstract: A device for decorative purposes, for the vertical cultivation of plants, includes: i) a cultivation support containing a cultivation substrate, and having holes on the front face thereof for the opening out of the above-ground part of the plants, ii) a rigid frame extending in a substantially vertical plane, defining a window in the front face of the cultivation support, and iii) a water reservoir, the cultivation support being placed over the water reservoir, and including at least one hydrophilic wick extending from the cultivation substrate to the water reservoir tank. The cultivation support is hydrated by a continuous supply of water by one or more hydrophilic wicks immersed in the reservoir. It may include an internal framework to give it rigidity and to prevent settling of the substrate in the lower part of the support. A method for obtaining such a plant box is also claimed.

Abstract: A green roof module for covering a portion of a roofing surface with vegetation, includes a tray for containing a growing medium and vegetation, a permeable membrane, and a drainage board The tray has a biodegradable bottom and a plurality of upwardly extending biodegradable walls about the perimeter of the biodegradable bottom The biodegradable bottom is configured so that water received within the tray can pass therethrough The permeable membrane is provided below the biodegradable bottom, and is sized and shaped so as to span the biodegradable bottom and configured to allow water to pass therethrough while inhibiting the growing medium from passing therethrough The drainage board is provided below the permeable membrane opposite the biodegradable bottom, and has an upper surface for supporting the biodegradable bottom and being surrounded by a plurality of edges The drainage board is configured so that at least some of the water passing through the permeable membrane and received on the drainage board will

Abstract: A vegetative roof system includes modules for holding growth media in which plants can grow. The modules can communicate with each other, sharing moisture/nutrients, increasing airflow to enhance plant respiration, allowing soil-borne animals/insects to travel between modules, etc. A rooting channel and/or a scalloped sidewall allow the roots of plants in the module to extend to adjacent modules. Alignment notches in sidewalls facilitate alignment of rooting channels between adjacent modules. Vertical zones help facilitate placement of abutting modules flush with each other. The rooting channels may be formed at the vertical zones to enhance continuity between and among modules. Sheet inserts can control rooting between modules and restrict undesired spillage through rooting channels (temporarily if biodegradable). Module inserts help control the quantity and depth of growth media, affecting module weight and rooting levels.

Abstract: A method for cultivating a plant, wherein a substrate is formed, in which substrate a seed or a root of the plant is placed, which substrate containing the seed or the plant is placed in a holder for the plant to grow, characterized in that at least two substrate parts are formed, with the seed or a root of the plant being placed between said at least two substrate parts before the substrate containing the seed or the plant is placed in the holder.

Abstract: A modular unit, system and method include a base layer having a plurality of reservoirs configured to prevent water flow through a lower portion, the lower portion for contacting a support surface, and having interlocking portions configured to interlock adjacent base layers when installed. A water permeable layer is disposed over the base layer. A detachable wall is mountable on the base layer to contain planting media. The water permeable layer may include a water-holding capillary fabric mat layer with entangled filaments.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device comprising a trough (2) with a base wall (4) and side walls (5), said trough (2) designed to contain a liquid and a tray (3) for placing in the trough (2), for supporting a growing substrate with at least one well (15), the bottom of which communicates with the liquid in the trough (2) each of which has an adjacent breaking zone (7, 12), the cutting of which permits the device to be divided up.

Abstract: A prevegetated blanket protects an exposed soil surface from erosion in an efficient manner. The prevegetated blanket has a fibrous structure, with a water retaining composition, water retention substance and topsoil to receive the desired seeds. Components of the prevegetated blanket of this invention grow a living membrane for native and cover crops in a controlled environment in a weed free, state. Then, the prevegetated blanket is transferred to a specific site and installed immediately after soil is prepared.

Abstract: An upright planting apparatus includes a row of juxtaposed mesh pipe units disposed uprightly and a fixing unit. Each of the mesh pipe units includes an outer mesh pipe, and a liquid supply pipe. The outer mesh pipe has an upright tubular wall formed with a plurality of mesh holes extending through inner and outer surfaces of the upright tubular wall, and a groove that extends around said outer surface of the upright tubular wall to receive a plant culture medium. The liquid supply pipe is disposed axially inside the outer mesh pipe and has a plurality of liquid-seeping holes. The fixing unit fixes together the outer mesh pipes of the mesh pipe units.

Abstract: A construction element covered with vegetation for horizontal, pitched and/or vertical surfaces of structures. The construction element has a lower base plate, which is embodied as an insulating board, and an upper vegetation layer with shorter and/or taller plants. A plant adhesive layer is arranged between the insulating board and the vegetation layer. A layer of a material that renders possible plant growth for shorter and/or taller plants is adhered on the adhesive layer. The adhesive layer is embodied in a non-vapor retardant manner so that it is permeable for water vapor.

Abstract: A modular unit, system and method include a base layer having a plurality of reservoirs configured to prevent water flow through a lower portion, the lower portion for contacting a support surface, and having interlocking portions configured to interlock adjacent base layers when installed. A water permeable layer is disposed over the base layer. A detachable wall is mountable on the base layer to contain planting media. The water permeable layer may include a water-holding capillary fabric mat layer with entangled filaments.