Device for promoting crop growth in a harsh environment

Abstract

A device for promoting crop growth in harsh environments (2), the device featuring a first layer, a second layer and a water management system (10) located between the first and second layers comprisi

Description

The following terms are registered trade ma: an should be rea assuc w they occur in this document; Tedlar Du Pont 1ibubble Device for Promoting Crop Growth in a Harsh Environment The present invention relates to a device for promoting crop growth in a harsh environment, the device enabling the localized capture, storage, and use of power generated from natural resources in harsh environments, with an integrated hydroponic and bioresonance capability to enable production of food and other plant life, including medicinal plants, in regions where they would not naturally be able to grow. This device is also able to improve crop yield, extend the growing season, and reduce pesticide use, and can be used in harsh environments where there are extremes of temperature or climatic conditions, such as deserts or polar areas, or even in space. Many countries, such as the UK, face huge imposed changes in how it produces food and how it will need to improve crop yields going forward. The availability of land and the requirement of high yield crops will be critical in how the world moves forward from Covid-19, and also how the UK moves forward from the economic and food distribution problems that Brexit will cause. In 2018, fresh vegetable produce imports into the UK reached £187m, with the majority of this being imported from Spain and Italy. Many different devices for the cultivation of plant life in an enclosed environment are known. While traditional use of plastics in vegetable farming has changed little in concept over the last 30 years, the gradual improvement in durability, thermal properties and increased refractivity have made incremental differences. Vegetable and fruit growing have also been diversified with the growth of vertical farming through light-emitting diode (LED) and hydroponic adoption, which has seen huge uptake in recent years. An area that has not been addressed is the growth of plant life in harsher environments, where water use, heat control, and sound resonance can be used as major controlling factors in the growth of plants to sustain life. There are some single outdoor and remote ‘in-field’ integrated devices that enable plants to be grown in large solar powered, hydroponic farms, and using artificial light to increase yield and extend growing seasons. Heat and water retention are factors in farming, and huge water use savings can be made in a controlled environment. Existing solar, hydroponic and bio-resonating systems have never before been combined before into a single integrated structure. The development of a new enclosed and bespoke system that would allow plant growth in virtually any part of the world, and even in any potential space colonization in the future; and / or which could improve crop yield and extend growing seasons, would be highly desirable. The integration of such a device to enable the controlled cultivation of plant life into one basic scalable and modular system that can be used remotely would be highly sought after. Therefore, in accordance with the invention, there is provided a device for promoting growth of crops, the device comprising: i) a first layer; ii) a second layer; and iii) a water management system located between the first and second layers, the water management system comprising a plurality of chambers located between layers of a film material, through which water can flow. ‘While the device of the invention may be used anywhere in the world, it is particularly suitable for deployment in areas which experience harsh climatic conditions, such as extreme heat, cold, or lack of water. As used herein, the terms ‘crops’ and ‘plants’ are used interchangeably. The first and second layers are separated by a void. In use, the first layer is the layer which is positioned proximal to or most exposed to any light from solar radiation, while the second layer is positioned inside the first layer, nearer to the crops which are to be grown. The first layer is substantially waterproof, and provides sufficient strength to accommodate adverse weather and local environmental changes, such wind, temperature change and management of large amounts of walter. The first layer may comprise a material such as, but not limited to, ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), or a fluorinated material such as a fluorinated polymer, or a film material which is at least partially coated with a hydrophobic coating, or any other commercially available film material, including bio-cellulose or recycled films. The hydrophobic coating may be on the first layer, the second layer, or both. The first layer will be substantially transparent to light and solar radiation, and typically also have a refractive index larger than glass, i.e. larger than the range of 1.46- 1.62, which is the range for the refractive indices of different types of pure glass. It typically also has one or more patterns on its surface. The film material of the first layer may also be substantially opaque to infra-red radiation, and reduce the effect of frost and energy consumption, both due to lower heat / radiation losses. The film material may also be able to block or absorb ultra-violet (UV) radiation, as this UV radiation can aid the reproduction of fungi and spores which are known to cause disease in vegetation systems. The film material may, for example, comprise polyethylene (such as low- density polyethylene or linear low-density polyethylene), ethylene-vinyl acetate, an ethylene-butyl acrylate copolymer, polyvinyl chloride, or polyvinyl fluoride (commercially available as TEDLAR from DuPont). The first layer may also be optically enhanced, either by its manufactured properties or by coatings (which may be nano- or macro-coatings) that can be applied on or after manufacture. This optical enhancement helps to optimize the growing light so that it is more beneficial to the plants, by e.g. creating more red light for improving growth. The first layer may also comprise a fluorescent pigment with optical properties, which is designed to promote the growth of the plants. The first layer may be coated in hydrogels that react to hydration and release fertilizer or nutrients by use of resonation. The first layer may also be sufficiently flexible to allow expansion or a changing of the shape of the material, and have a plurality of perforations or openings therein which can allow any excess heat to escape. In an embodiment of the invention, the present invention may also employ bioresonance techniques to increase seed germination speeds and promote the growth of the crops within the device. Bioacoustics have indicated that growth can be influenced in plants as well as providing an alternative to poor sunlight, effectively an offset solution to the lower solar irradiance that is received in the UK. The use of bio-resonance is a method using the fact that everything has its own frequency that resonates with the same frequency to enhance plant growth and or, destroy pests or attract the right natural pest predators. The plant is made physically to vibrate to stimulate growth or prevent formation of bacteria. Some plants use larger leaves to ‘bounce’ vibration to other parts of a plant or neighbouring plant. The range of frequencies will vary depending on the type of growth required. This will vary the layout of the supporting water and resonation points. The lower frequencies will require bigger signal delivery space, so areas of frequency generation are set further apart. To do this, sound frequencies can be fed into the structure either at ground level, or through connecting networks of interconnecting vascular structures across the highest point of the device, such as an uppermost ridge of the overall structure. These sound frequencies can be broadcast or be produced through resonation of the materials, such as thin film materials, in the first and second layers. The delivery of sound can be achieved by membranes and film vibration managed by the design of the materials using a cone shaped device or, using printed circuitry with coatings that enhance performance to create electro-magnetic pulses. The bioresonance may also be with used with hydrogels, releasing stored water in the hydrogels either directly into the soil, or within the structure of the materials. The hydrogels may also comprise fertilizer and / or nutrients, which can be released along with the stored water to feed the plants. The resonation is able to change the chemical and physical state of hydrogels, enabling the release of the water, fertilizer and / or nutrients. A Zenneck wave propagates parallel to the interface and decays exponentially vertical to it, a property known as evanescence, and delivers waves of sound. Sound can also be delivered by a series of adjacent micro-cones that can act as a light guide as well as an acoustic delivery system. This sound system can be activated or stopped digitally or manually by a grower or farmer, and or collectively, via electronic interface through satellite or phone network operation. The first layer can also be used for frequency resonation when itis used in single layer form. The frequencies can be applied externally or through a system of one or more patterns of over-printed circuitry, causing the film to resonate like a speaker cone. The one or more patterns on the first layer can also act as lenses to magnify the light passing through the first layer. When the patterns get warmer, a coating material — such as a graphene-based coating — expands outwards to form a low raised cone, which focuses light like a magnifying glass. These patterns act as mini Fresnell lenses when used photonically to enhance light into the second layer. The first layer can also be held at lower tension to absorb any acoustic frequencies that may be harmful to plant growth, such as any man-made noise pollution, making plant growth possible in cities or urban spaces. Any structure containing the device then becomes internally quiet and allows the generated frequencies to dominate the inner space. Sound [requencies can be delivered by materials such as ETFE or [luorinated films, or any other commercial translucent films available to be used in the structure, such as those made from polyethylene (such as low density polyethylene or linear low density polyethylene), ethylene-vinyl acetate, an ethylene-butyl acrylate copolymer, polyvinyl chloride, or polyvinyl fluoride. The frequencies can also be used to deter airborne and soil borne pests or infections, and / or attract predators of any living pests in the form of larvae or airborne insects. Thermally manufactured patterns can create concentric circles that can mimic a speaker cone or can be used as a lens mechanism from the sun. These cones will resonate when a frequency is applied, but return to their original shape after sound is stopped. These patterns may be printed anywhere suitable to obtain the desired bio- resonance, such as on a surface of the first or second layer, or on the water management system, or on any two or more of these. In one embodiment, they may be screen printed on the underside of the first layer, i.e. on the side of the first layer proximal to the crops, such as on the edges of the underside of the first layer, or are printed directly over the plant growing area to resonate across or ‘inwards’. As the materials are subject to frequency vibration, they will resonate at the weakest part of the films (i.e. the nano-coated and more malleable part) - within a bounding area or a pre-creased coated pattern — and create sound vibrations. Alternatively, a frequency can be emitted from a source and carried by water to the first layer / film material as a localized frequency vibration. Frequencies can also be used to prevent bacterial growth within crops, as well as ‘mask’ any interferences [rom external competing sound frequencies, such as electronic signals emitted from but not exclusively from cell phone towers, electric vehicles, mobile devices that use harmful frequencies. The specific frequencies used can be tailored to the specific pests and bacteria that need to be controlled. The use of defensive frequencies attracts flies, insects or birds that eat the pests for that crop. Alternatively, the use of vibrations of certain frequencies stop the attachment of fungi or prevent other damage to the plant by putting the plant in a defensive mode where it self-protects and ‘stiffens’ up, against for example bad winds or in a storm where plants respond to bird warning noises before imminent bad weather and change structure. One example of this is tropical plants that roll up their leaves at night, so bacteria cannot form on the surface of the protected leaves. The second layer may also comprise a thin film material, such as, but not limited to, those listed above for the first layer. The second layer may comprise the same material as the first layer, or it may comprise a different material. The second layer typically comprises a material which is able to cause light scattering, i.e. where atoms or molecules within the material which are exposed to the light absorb light energy, and re-emit light in different directions with different intensities. The second layer is also able to capture any condensation which may be formed when the temperature outside the device or structure drops and the insulating layers cause a thermal barrier in temperature. The water rolls down within the structure to the ground and through a plurality of openings in the second layer to irrigate the crops, or may just roll down to the ground. These openings may be arranged in a pattern if desired. The second layer is typically arranged to fit parallel to, or at varying distances to the first layer. The plurality of chambers through which water can flow may be substantially parallel to each other. The water may flow through the chambers or be released from, hydrogels through resonation within the hydrogels. According to one aspect of the mvention. the water management system may comprise an inflatable system, comprising the plurality of chambers. The chambers may be inflatable, and comprise a plurality of individual inflatable strips, with each individual inflatable strip having a plurality of bubble chambers with each bubble chamber interconnected to an adjacent bubble chamber by an interconnecting passageway which is smaller in size and internal volame than the bubble chambers, but which is sufficiently large to permit the flow of water from one bubble chamber to another. The inflatable system may comprise two sheets of film material joined together on top of each other to form rows of bubble chambers, wherein the sheets are sealed together along a plurality of generally parallel. undulating seal lines which are free of comer shapes or sharp bends and which are arranged in a pattern such that adjacent ones of the seal lines are offset laterally from each other and form rows of spaced apart bubble chambers with flow passageways interconnecting adjacent bubble chambers in each row so that air and water can flow between the chambers in a row. These chambers may also contain hydrogels for additional purposes, such as walter release, or working with digital technologies as a targeted response to specific crop requirements. This can be managed by drone wireless technology using graphene sensors within the material to pick up change of state in plants for pest management or watering. The flow passageways in alternate rows are positioned between, aligned with, and formed by the same seal lines as the bubble chambers in intermediate rows so there is no dead space between the bubble chambers and the flow passageways in adjacent rows. The seal lines extend laterally across the width of the material. The inflatable system further comprises an inflation channel extending linearly along the length of the material, and laterally extending inlet ports interconnecting the inflation channel and one of the bubble chambers in each of the rows, the inlet ports configured to permit the inlet ports to be sealed by a longitudinally extending line seal formed across the inlet ports. One such inflatable system can be obtained commercially under the trade name iBubble, which has columns of connected air bubbles (rather than the individual bubbles in more conventional bubble wrap) which do not burst when pressore is applied. The iBubble product is sold in flat plastic sheets that a product shipper fills with air using a custom-made pump. In one embodiment of the invention, one or more of the chambers may be sealed off so that water cannot flow therethrough. If this is the case. the one or more chambers comprise one or more artificial light sources to provide light for the crops to grow. In another embodiment of the invention, one or more of the chumbers may be coated with a nano-coating, which may include materials that enhance the distance that an acoustic signal can be sent, to aid with bioresonance. In another embodiment of the invention, the water management system can contain both of the one or more artificial light sources and the bioresonance coating. The water management system may be used for the common transportation of light from the ground or upper part of an overall structure, or water which can be used with the light to increase light luminosity, or to provide bioresonance. As discussed, the device may also contain a source of artificial light. This source is powered by solar power, storing energy during the day using solar cells (such as photovoltaic cells) to absorb the sunlight and convert it to electricity. This electricity can then be used during the hours or days where there is no sunlight to power an artificial light source to extend the hours of crop growth. The artificial light source may comprise one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The LEDs can also be connected to a mains supply for energy use, or an array of solar cells, hydrogen powered supply or other energy source. The artificial light source may be located at any suitable position in the device. In one embodiment, it may be located within the water management system. The water management system may include printed electronic circuitry for the enhanced delivery of sound frequencies. The printed areas may be within one or more of the plurality of chambers. The printed areas may be in the form of a nano-coating and may include materials that enhance the distance that an acoustic signal can be sent. Materials to enable this may be ceramic as part of a two-dimensional material sandwich which may include copper, zinc, platinum, silver, gold, nickel, gallium, or cobalt, or combinations of any two or more thereof, combined with a small amount of graphene, graphite, carbon nanotubes or carbon black. Ceramics used with graphene can enhance the acoustic qualities of the materials of the first and / or second layers. There may or may not be an additional layer between the first and second layers where printing may not be possible on a preferred or available film type. This additional layer may be in the form of a film material, with enhanced optical properties and may affect the optical choice of materials for the structure should and if, three or more layers were used, as its presence would diffuse any incoming light even more, trapping it and reducing heat on the plants. Such an additional layer would likely only be used in hot climates. The material for the second layer is set up with strength integrity around any supports, but may have the ability to expand to allow the dispersion of heat through small openings in the material. Similarly, the vascular areas of the material may have openings to allow for the release of water into the growth area. This can be controlled by circuitry or by weight and pressure on the material. This chambers in the water management system can be ‘pattern’ varied for the growing of different crops, such as with a range of acoustic frequencies, with larger or smaller spaces or increased use of water through volume or spacing. It can also vary in spacing or distance across the coverage of the structure, to be positioned where growth can be accelerated. For example, plants with larger leaves need lower frequencies that vibrate through larger ‘speaker cones’. These vibrations travel further so the pattern of sound delivery needs to spaced out more or they overlap and change the delivery sound. Higher frequency (warning frequencies) are delivered by smaller speaker cones and don’t need the same space but may be more frequent, and may even be plant specific. The water management system operates around this sound system. The water management system may also use frequencies to change the resonation in water structure or flow pattern before it is delivered to the plant, by the manipulation of hydrogen content. The use of more ‘ionized’ alkaline water contains more hydrogen, and more energy for the plant to utilize. This can be imposed by forcing the water to stretch, increasing tension in the outer defining layers (water surface). For water to maintain its form through a series of violent shifts, it uses more hydrogen to maintain the tension of its shape. Here, the water chemistry changes as the water is vibrated into weakening its molecular structure. According to one embodiment of the invention, the device may only have the first and second layers of material, or it may also comprise a third layer. The third layer, when present, is located so that it is proximal or exposed directly to the light and solar radiation, while the first layer is positioned inside the third layer, nearer to the crops which are to be grown. The first layer is positioned between the third and second layers. The third layer, when present, typically comprises a plurality of perforations or openings therein which can allow excess heat to escape. The device of the invention is able to form part of a much larger structure, comprising a plurality of devices of the invention, within which many crops and plants are able to be housed. In such a structure, many devices of the invention are supported by a plurality of supports. This structure may comprise different devices according to the invention, i.e. any two or more from: 1) the one containing only the water management system between the first and second layers; and / or 11) containing the water management system and the source of artificial light between the first and second layers; and / or 11) containing the water management system and the source of bioresonance between the first and second layers; and / or iv) containing the water management system, the source of artificial light and the source of bioresonance between the first and second layers. The structure may be in the form of a tent or canopy, or a parabolic or tessellation structure, or folding concertina structure, that can be reused or resized as desired. The structure may be any size desired, depending on the location, space available, and the amount and type of crop(s) which are to be grown. The structure may be able to be folded down and reused individually or as per of a number of integrated units, and may be either vertically stacked on top of each other, or as a single entity. Structural supports, which may be made of e.g. a plastic material, can change the shape of the structure, by use of tubes which vary in length and width, as angle of growth. Devices can be made into recognized structures such as domes and greenhouses and stacked structures where intensive light can be filtered out to grow different crops internally, than external facing devices. In such stacked structures, the more film layers that the light needs to pass through to reach the crops, the less useful it is to them. Therefore, crops that require less light for growth are put towards the centre of a group of stacked structures. This allows the physical space to be used the best with a mixed set of crops. Fast growing crops located in the most outer sections of the stack, and slow growing crops in the inner sections, such as young trees that can take years to grow, The structure can be redeployed around them over time, as required. The entire structure can be made to be substantially rigid and resistant to winds. The supports can be made from a material such as a bioplastic, such as cellulose or resin plastic, that can be sufficiently structurally supple to not break in windy conditions. The structure can be used anywhere and is secured into the ground by any suitable method, such as using a pegging system. The structure can also be created as a tubular structure to enclose the growing space completely. It can be clipped together in the form of tunnels or used individually as stand-alone self-contained ‘greenhouse’ type structure. The structure may also have integrated digital sensors to allow remote irrigation and heat control. Sensor technology may allow remote irrigation and detect any chemical deficiencies in the plants. This reduces labour hours, and also allows links into drone management or satellite technologies. As mentioned above, the first layer can be held at lower tension to absorb any acoustic [requencies that may be harmful to plant growth, such as any man-made noise pollution, making plant growth possible in cities or urban spaces. The structure then becomes internally quiet and allows the dominance of the generated frequencies to dominate the inner space. The structure can be separated totally from contact with any external soil or unsuitable terrain, to allow for aquaponic or hydroponic farming which is completely sealed from its enclosed environment. The water management system in the device of the invention involves water being collected and fed into the device via an upper part of the structure, and uses gravity and internal structural space to distribute it. The water is either condensed into the soil, or fed in across the highest structural point into a series of downward delivery pockets, being released at varying heights, as it flows along and downwards — gravity fed. Condensation from humid conditions will be collected from an inner wall of the first layer in the main areas of water storage, i.e. in the pockets in the vascular structure, in the evenings as rapid temperature change can occur and residual heat build-up will top up water levels from within air pockets in the device. The solar or photovoltaic cells will also work more effectively during peak temperature times due to water cooling as water flows through the device. The device may be arranged so that it can provide nutrients and fertilizers into the main flow of water as it passes through the device or mixes into the water supply externally. This water can be collected from the immediate external environment or where rainflow is infrequent and heavy, a hydrogel structure may be included. Nutrients can be added using concentration packs added into the existing water supply, or by formulating and then circulating the mixture of water and nutrients in one mixture. Vertical supports and connectors for the structure can be thinner in circumference to enable the water to serve any higher layers built into the structure, by using increased water pressure as force to reach higher levels of connectors. Pumps may be added depending on the scale and requirement of the final modular structure. The device may also comprise a water filtration system, such as a graphene filter system, which will enable water cleansing and add life to the ecosystem where required. The use of graphene, graphite or carbon-based coating may also be applied to areas that may be susceptible to fouling and algae growth build up. Also provided herein is a structure comprising a plurality of devices of the invention as defined hereinabove, together with a plurality of supports. According to another aspect of the invention, the device can be supplied in kit form and flat-packed, for ease of transportation into areas where the apparatus would be employed. A basic version of the device of the invention that can be supplied in kit form and flat packed may comprise a number of supports and thin films as the first and second layers, for transportation into areas as part of a charitable supply deployment. Therefore, also provided in accordance with the invention is a kit of parts, comprising: i) a first layer; ii) a second layer; iii) a water management system located between the first and second layers, the water management system comprising a plurality of chambers located between layers of a film material, through which water can flow. Also provided herein is a method of growing crops, the method comprising: a) employing a device comprising a first layer, a second layer, a water management system located between the first and second layers, the water management system comprising a plurality of chambers located between layers of a film material, through which water can flow; and b) supplying the crops with water from the water management system. ‘When the device of the invention also includes the source of artificial light, the method of the invention also includes collecting and storing energy from natural resources to power the source of artificial light and exposing a crop seed and / or germinating plant to light. ‘When the device of the invention also includes bioresonance capabilities, the method of the invention also includes exposing a crop seed and / or germinating plant to bio-resonance. The device of the invention allows for the collection of stored natural and solar energy, which enables a controlled cultivation of a wide variety of plant life. By combining solar technology with hydroponic and bio-resonance technology, a modular structure can be deployed which is either as small or as large as is required, and over any surface or terrain. It operates to promote the growth of crops by exposing the crops to light and solar radiation during the day, LED lighting at night, combined with short bursts of bio- resonance throughout the day and night. The device enables the localized capture, storage, and use of power generated from natural resources. The ability to adjust the light spectrum to which the crops and plants are exposed, by the use of films and finishes on the layers of the device of the invention, improves the growth of crops and also provides a residual level of heat through cooler growing periods. ‘While LED lighting has found its way into a critical part of horticultural science, and the benefits of growing outside of daylight hours can improve crop yield by as much as 50% with specialised lighting, the present invention provides a lower energy application of this, reducing further the input energy required. In geographical areas where food production is difficult due to extreme climate conditions, such as very hot, dry conditions, or environments where water loss is a problem, or where there are significant fluctuations in temperature or light, the apparatus of the present invention would be of significant benefit, and provide for new levels of sustainability in difficult environmental conditions. All of the aspects of the apparatus of the invention can be used partially or totally in whatever the end user requirements are. The device of the invention is able to provide: > 15-30% energy, as it provides sufficient night light to extend growth; > 20-70% crop yield, through use of light in dark hours, extending the hours the crops are able to grow; and > 30-50% film durability, providing an extended life span for the materials through water and heat management. The crops and plant materials grown in the device of the invention will depend on the local environment, and can range from animal feed such as lichens to ‘smart’ plants that can include doped medicine and vaccination plant forms in fully enclosed structures that provide totally secure food growth, as well as traditional berries and horticultural crops such as kale and broccoli in open space settings. Flowers and decorative plants may also be grown. The invention will now be described further by way of example with reference to the following figures which are intended to be illustrative only and in no way limiting upon the scope of the invention. Figure 1 depicts the layered structure, showing the first, second and third layers of the device. Figure 2 depicts a vertical view of one possible layout of a system in accordance with the invention for the delivery of energy, sound, light and water for the promotion of crop growth. Figure 3 depicts a side-on perspective of a larger scale flexible structure in accordance with the invention. Figure 1 depicts the device 2 of the invention having the first layer 4, the second layer 6 and the third layer 8, the third layer being the one which is exposed to sunlight in this embodiment. Between the first layer 4 and the second layer 6 is the water management system 10, together with the artificial light source and resonating cones (not shown). When sunlight shines on the device 2, it is magnified as it passes through the first layer due to patterns thereon (not shown), as well as charging the solar cells (not shown) for night- time illumination via the artificial light source. The resonating cones provide the sound frequencies to aid in the growth and protection of the crops. Figure 2 depicts an example overhead view of part of a larger structure incorporating a number of devices 2 according to the invention. What is shown is a network of the different devices according to the invention, with some of the devices 12 containing only the water management system between the first and second layers; other devices 14 containing the water management system and the source of artificial light between the first and second layers; and other devices 16 containing the water management system and the source of bioresonance between the first and second layers. Networks such as these can be manufactured in a bespoke manner, depending upon what crops are to be grown, and the requirements for different amounts of water, sound and light intensity. Figure 3 shows a view of a structure 18 according to the invention, containing all of the devices of the invention, supported by a support structure 20, and exposed to sunlight and in action in the growing of crops on the ground 22. It is of course to be understood that the present invention is not intended to be restricted to the foregoing examples which are described by way of example only.

Claims

Claims 1. A device for promoting growth of crops, the device comprising: i) a first layer; 11) a second layer; and iii) ~~ a water management system located between the first and second layers, the water management system comprising a plurality of chambers located between layers of a film material, through which water can flow; 2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the water management system also comprises a source of artificial light.

3. A device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the device also comprises a system for providing bioresonance.

4. A device according to claim 3, wherein the system for providing bioresonance is located on the first and / or second layers and / or within the water management system.

5. A device according to claim 4, wherein the system for providing bioresonance comprises printed electronic circuitry.

6. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the system for providing bioresonance can provide different sound frequencies.

7. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the first layer is the layer which is proximal to or most exposed to any light from solar radiation.

8. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the first layer comprises one or more patterns which can act as lenses to magnify light passing through the first layer.

9. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the first layer comprises a material comprising ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), or a fluorinated material, or a film material at least partially coated with a hydrophobic coating.

10. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the film material comprises polyethylene, ethylene-vinyl acetate, an ethylene-butyl acrylate copolymer, polyvinyl chloride, or polyvinyl fluoride.

11. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the first layer is highly refractive.

12. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the first layer comprises electronic circuitry printed thereon for resonating sounds of a defined frequency.

13. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the second layer comprises a material which is the same or different to the first layer.

14. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the second layer is able to cause light scattering.

15. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the water management system comprises an inflatable system comprising the plurality of chambers, the plurality of chambers having a plurality of bubble chambers with each bubble chamber interconnected to an adjacent bubble chamber by an interconnecting passageway which is smaller in size and internal volume than the bubble chambers.

16. A device according to any preceding claim, comprising one or more solar cells for the capture of solar energy.

17. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the source of artificial light comprises one or more light-emitting diodes.

18. A device according to claim 5, wherein areas of printed electronic circuitry may comprise materials comprising copper, zinc, platinum, silver, gold, nickel, gallium, or cobalt, or combinations of any two or more thereof, combined with a small amount of graphene, graphite, carbon nanotubes and / or carbon black.

19. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the second layer comprises one or more openings therein to allow the dispersion of heat and / or water through to the crops.

20. A structure comprising a plurality of devices according to any preceding claim, together with a plurality of supports.

21. A structure according to claim 20, wherein the structure comprises integrated digital sensors to allow remote irrigation and heat control.

22. A structure according to claim 20 or claim 21, wherein the structure comprises any two or more devices selected from devices: i) containing only the water management system between the first and second layers; and / or ii) containing the water management system and the source of artificial light between the first and second layers; and / or iii) containing the water management system and the source of bioresonance between the first and second layers; and / or iv) containing the water management system, the source of artificial light and the source of bioresonance between the first and second layers.

23. A kit of parts, comprising: i) a first layer; ii) a second layer; iii) a water management system located between the first and second layers, the water management system comprising a plurality of chambers located between layers of a film material, through which water can flow; and iv) optionally a source of artificial light; and v) optionally a system for providing bioresonance.

24. A method of growing crops, the method comprising: a) employing a device comprising a first layer, a second layer, a water management system located between the first and second layers, , the water management system comprising a plurality of chambers located between layers of a film material, through which water can flow; and b) supplying the crops with water from the water management system.

25. A method according to claim , further comprising providing a source of artificial light, and a system for providing bioresonance to the crops; collecting and storing energy from natural resources to power the source of artificial light; and exposing a plant seed and / or germinating plant to one or more of light, water and / or bio-resonance.

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