Systems and methods for plant production

Abstract

An integrated agricultural system is provided comprising a primary hydroponic component for growing plants and multiple point-of-use hydroponic components for maintaining optimal nutrient concentrations for the plants, wherein the point-of-use hydroponic components are located in close proximity to the primary component and include a monitoring device configured to determine a measurement of at least one monitoring parameter of the plants in the point-of-use hydroponic components and to transmit the measurement of at least one monitoring parameter to the primary hydroponic component.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present technology relates to an integrated hydroponic cultivation system for plant propagation, distribution, and maintenance of plants at the place of use. In particular, the system maintains plants at an optimal nutrient concentration compared to plants cultivated in soil or plants transported to the place of use.

[0002] [Cross - reference to Related Applications] This application claims priority to Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2022903933, filed on December 21, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Background Art

[0003] Traditional agricultural operations are usually located in agricultural regions and require large capital expenditures, vast land dedicated to the cultivation of a few crops, and high operating costs from seeds to sales.

[0004] There are also problems with conventional urban agriculture and regional agriculture. In urban areas, the cultivation space is limited, and the initial costs and operating costs of structures such as greenhouses are high. Structures for rooftop agriculture require advanced technology to support the weight of the rooftop farm. In urban vegetable gardens, measures against contaminated soil and air pollution may also be necessary.

[0005] Typical hydroponic cultivation systems are not easily transportable as most hydroponic cultivation systems are designed for installation in an agricultural environment and require training of skilled personnel for operation, so they are not easily used in urban areas.

[0006] To address these problems, agricultural systems have been developed. For example, hydroponic facilities and "local farms" are commonly used. However, these systems utilize the traditional supply chain, where plants are grown in central facilities, harvested, stored, and shipped to market, where they are purchased by wholesalers and then distributed directly to consumers or purchased through supermarkets. In other words, existing solutions rely on the current food supply model, which is based on long-distance transportation and long-term storage. This food supply model is not economically or environmentally sustainable.

[0007] Climate change, supply chain challenges, air and soil pollution, and declining yields are increasing threats to food security. Furthermore, population growth and the impact of climate change on traditional soil agriculture are driving increased demand for fresh, nutritious food.

[0008] The inventors have developed an integrated hydroponic system for cultivating and supplying fresh, nutrient-rich plants that are maintained at the time of use. [Overview of the project]

[0009] In the first mode, a) Primary hydroponic components for growing plants, b) Multiple point-of-use hydroponic components for maintaining optimal nutrient concentrations for plants, comprising multiple point-of-use hydroponic components physically adjacent to the primary component, c) A monitoring device configured to measure at least one parameter of a plant in the plurality of point-of-use hydroponic components and to transmit the at least one parameter to the primary hydroponic component. An integrated agricultural system equipped with [this feature] is provided.

[0010] In one embodiment, a measurement of at least one monitored parameter is selected from the number of plants in the hydroponic component at the time of use (the monitored parameter includes plant density, plant condition, plant air temperature, relative humidity, light intensity, air velocity, air circulation, and time spent in the hydroponic component at the time of use), and the measurement (or set of measurements) is then transmitted to the primary hydroponic component. Preferably, the relevant measurement used for this purpose is either a monitored parameter relating to plant density or time spent in the hydroponic component at the time of use.

[0011] In the second mode, a) Steps of growing multiple plants in a primary hydroponic component, b) A step of transferring the plants from the primary hydroponic component to a plurality of point-of-use hydroponic components in order to maintain the optimal nutrient concentration of the plants, wherein the point-of-use hydroponic components are in close proximity to the primary hydroponic component. c) The steps of monitoring at least one parameter of a plant in the hydroponic component at the time of use, and transmitting the measured value of the monitored at least one parameter to the primary hydroponic component, d) A step of adjusting the plants in the hydroponic component at the time of use according to the measured value of the monitored at least one parameter. A method for cultivating and distributing plants is provided, comprising the above.

[0012] In one embodiment, a measurement of at least one monitored parameter is selected from the number of plants in the hydroponic component at the time of use (the monitored parameter includes plant density, plant condition, plant air temperature, relative humidity, light intensity, air velocity, air circulation, and time spent in the hydroponic component at the time of use), and the measurement (or set of measurements) is then transmitted to the primary hydroponic component. Preferably, the relevant measurement used for this purpose is either a monitored parameter relating to plant density or time spent in the hydroponic component at the time of use.

[0013] The adjustment steps may include removing plants in poor condition and / or replenishing plants that have been removed from the hydroponic components at the time of use.

[0014] In one embodiment, the distance from the hydroponic component to the primary component at the time of use is less than 5 kilometers, preferably less than 3 kilometers, and more preferably less than 2 kilometers.

[0015] Preferably, the replenishment step does not involve an outbound supply chain from the primary component, and more preferably, the replenishment step does not involve the use of a vehicle.

[0016] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise specifically required by context, the term “includes,” or variations such as “equipped with,” or “equipped with,” shall be understood to mean including the elements, integers, or steps, or groups of elements, integers, or steps described herein, but not to mean excluding other elements, integers, or steps, or groups of elements, integers, or steps.

[0017] Any discussion of documents, operations, materials, apparatus, articles, etc., contained herein is intended solely to provide background to the invention. It should not be construed as acknowledging that any or all of these matters constitute part of the foundation of the prior art or were general knowledge in the art relevant to the invention that existed prior to the priority date of any claim herein.

[0018] To better understand the present invention, various embodiments will be described with reference to the following drawings and examples. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0019] This technology relates to a system and method for the production of plants using hydroponics and for the maintenance and management of those plants at the time of use.

[0020] In one embodiment, an integrated agricultural system is provided that includes a primary (or macro) hydroponic system for propagating plants. The system also includes several point-of-use (or micro) hydroponic components for receiving plants from the primary component and maintaining optimal nutrient concentrations for the plants. The micro components also include monitoring devices configured to monitor at least one parameter of a plant in the point-of-use hydroponic component and transmit measurements of the monitored parameter (or multiple monitored parameters) to the primary hydroponic component. The point-of-use hydroponic components are located in close proximity to the primary component.

[0021] The primary (or macro) hydroponic component can be any conventional hydroponic system. In one embodiment, the primary (or macro) component comprises at least one cultivation tray or channel configured to accommodate one or more cultivation units. Each cultivation unit is a porous container that holds the medium necessary for plant propagation. This component includes a reservoir for holding the nutrient solution, a pump in fluid communication with the nutrient solution in the reservoir, and one or more conduits in fluid communication with the pump for supplying the nutrient solution to the plants in each cultivation unit. The cultivation tray or channel further includes a return pipe (channel back) in fluid communication with the reservoir. This return pipe allows the nutrient solution to return from the cultivation tray or channel to the reservoir for recirculation.

[0022] In some embodiments, the primary (or macro) hydroponic component includes multiple cultivation trays or channels connected to a single reservoir and can be stacked, for example, each cultivation tray or channel can be stacked on a shelf unit or the like. Thus, by changing the length of the cultivation tray or channel and the number in the stack, the primary component can be quickly adjusted to fit the available space.

[0023] This component further includes lighting means. The lighting means supplies light of appropriate wavelengths and intensities to maintain an optimal growth rate and nutrient concentration for the plants. Any lighting means can be considered for use. Suitable lighting means include fluorescent lamps, compact fluorescent lamps, high-intensity discharge lamps (HID), metal halide lamps, high-pressure sodium lamps (HPS), light-emitting diodes (LED), and the like. Preferably, the lighting is LED.

[0024] In some embodiments, the component includes a lighting controller that controls one or more of intensity, duration, wavelength, and periodicity.

[0025] In some embodiments, the primary component can be adapted to be used in underutilized commercial real estate such as basements or storage areas.

[0026] The cultivation unit can include any container suitable for holding a growth medium and cultivating plants, such as pots or cultivation bags. The cultivation unit is porous, where being porous means allowing liquids to permeate. For example, the cultivation unit can be a cloth pot or cultivation bag that is porous in its material itself, or the cultivation unit can be a plastic pot having drainage holes, in which case the material is non-porous but the porosity is demonstrated by the drainage holes.

[0027] In one embodiment, the cultivation unit is a pot, for example, a rectangular container with an open top and a plurality of drainage holes.

[0028] The cultivation unit is configured to hold a growth medium. Any suitable growth medium known in the art can be used. In some embodiments, the growth medium is inert. Examples of suitable inert growth media include perlite, vermiculite, rock wool, clay pebbles, or any combination thereof.

[0029] In some embodiments, the growth medium does not contain organic components.

[0030] In other embodiments, the growth medium can additionally or alternatively contain organic components. Suitable organic components include coco fibre, potting mix, potting soil, soil, peat, or any combination thereof.

[0031] During use, a certain amount of liquid nutrient solution is contained in the reservoir. A person skilled in the art can select a suitable nutrient solution considering the type of plants to be cultivated, the medium used, and the environmental conditions in which the primary component and the component at the time of use operate.

[0032] A typical basic nutrient mixture may contain 14% total nitrogen (e.g., as nitrates), 17% calcium, 0.015% boron, 0.01% chelated copper, 0.07% chelated iron, 0.025% chelated manganese, 0.002% molybdenum, and 0.01% zinc. This mixture can be dissolved in water to the desired concentration.

[0033] The base mix can be supplemented with various nutrients to suit specific growth types. For example, to promote vegetative growth, a mixture of 2% total nitrogen (e.g., nitrates), 8% phosphate, 3% magnesium, 8% complex sulfur, and 0.01% chelated iron may be used. This mixture can be added to the base mix solution.

[0034] A typical nutritional solution for promoting flowering includes 12% phosphoric acid (e.g., P2O5), 24% potassium (K2O), 3% magnesium, 9% complex sulfur, and 0.01% chelated iron. This mixture can be added to a base mix. In some embodiments, for example when cultivating flowering plants, the nutritional mix can be supplemented to improve flower quality. Suitable supplements include calcium, boron, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, and zinc. These can be produced, for example, from calcium chloride, iron EDTA, iron DTPA, iron EDDHA, zinc EDTA, manganese EDTA, sodium molybdate, boric acid, copper EDTA, and chelated zinc, respectively.

[0035] The reservoir can be any container that can hold an appropriate amount of liquid and can be piped to a growth tray or channel. The reservoir is fitted with a xylem to guide the flow of nutrient solution to the plant. This can be achieved in various ways; for example, the nutrient solution can be supplied to the growth channel or tray to keep the plant in the solution, or the nutrient solution can be dripped or sprayed onto the plant in the growth medium and then discharged into the growth tray or channel.

[0036] The growing tray or channel has a return outlet from which the nutrient solution is returned to the reservoir via the xylem.

[0037] The reservoir may be optionally fitted with a ventilation system. Additionally, the reservoir may be fitted with a heating system and / or a cooling system, either as an alternative or additional option.

[0038] In one embodiment, the component includes a pump for delivering a nutrient solution to the plant. The nutrient solution can be supplied to the plant continuously or intermittently by the pump. In another embodiment, a reservoir is placed above the plant, and the nutrient solution is supplied to the plant continuously or intermittently by gravity and then pumped back into the reservoir.

[0039] This system features multiple point-of-use hydroponic components to maintain optimal nutrient concentrations for plants.

[0040] Each point-of-use hydroponic component is a self-contained hydroponic component with a housing for the frame. The housing is designed for aesthetics and frame retention. The frame is fitted with one or more grow channels or trays, a reservoir that communicates fluidly with the grow channels, a pump, and a lighting device. The grow channels or trays are configured to house multiple grow units (units for growing plants) and receive nutrient solution from the reservoir. Similar to the primary components, the nutrient solution can be contained in trays or tubes and applied directly to the plants or growing medium within the grow units.

[0041] Each point-of-use hydroponic component is placed at or near the point where the plants will be used. For example, hydroponic components are installed in commercial kitchens, corporate offices, educational institutions, supermarkets, grocery stores, etc. "Point of use" here refers to the point of use of the plants (i.e., consumption or use in cooking a meal) or sale to the consumer.

[0042] The point-of-use components are located in physical proximity to the primary components, for example, nearby. For instance, in some embodiments, the primary components may be located in underutilized commercial facilities, such as basements or unused sections of office buildings. The point-of-use components may be located in nearby retail stores, office entrances, restaurants, kitchens, cafes, etc. Because the primary and point-of-use components are physically close, each point-of-use hydroponic component can be quickly replenished from the primary component, reducing external supply chains and associated costs (warehouses, storage management, distribution channels, and coordination operations, etc.). In short, the integrated system ensures that plants are delivered to customers in the right quantity, in the right condition, in the right place, and at the right time.

[0043] By combining primary and point-of-use components in close physical proximity, the system maintains plants at optimal nutrient concentrations compared to plants grown in soil or shipped at the point of sale.

[0044] These systems a. Steps to avoid the need for long-distance (more than 10km) transportation, b. Steps to avoid the need to store plants before they reach the component at the time of use, Nutrient concentrations in the plant within the component at the time of use are maintained by multiple methods, including the following.

[0045] Integrated systems have another advantage: they are demonstrable. That is, they provide the ability to maintain or improve the condition and availability of nutrient-rich plants over the long term. This is possible because external supply chains are eliminated, as the primary components are typically located in underutilized real estate unsuitable for agriculture, such as basements, parking lots, or office buildings, and the components used are located near the primary components.

[0046] The integrated system also provides quantifiable environmental, social, and governance (ESG) benefits. ESG refers to a set of criteria that evaluate an organization's ability to create and maintain long-term value. Environmental criteria consider how an organization protects the environment, for example, its policies on addressing climate change. Social criteria examine how an organization manages its relationships with employees, suppliers, customers, and the communities in which it operates. Governance deals with corporate leadership, executive compensation, audits, internal controls, and shareholder rights. Quantifiable ESG metrics are provided. The integrated system clearly indicates that an organization possessing either a primary component or a point-of-use component meets environmental and social criteria.

[0047] The point-of-use component includes a monitoring device configured to determine a measurement of at least one monitoring parameter of a plant in the point-of-use hydroponic component and to transmit the measurement of at least one monitoring parameter to the primary hydroponic component.

[0048] A monitoring device may be used to monitor or observe plants within a point-of-use component. The monitoring device collects sufficient information to determine a measurement of at least one monitored parameter of the plant. The measurement of at least one monitored parameter may be selected from the number of plants in the point-of-use hydroponic component (monitored parameters include plant density, plant condition, plant air temperature, relative humidity, light intensity, air velocity, air circulation, and elapsed time in the point-of-use hydroponic component). The component can be monitored or observed, and thus measurements of one or more monitored parameters, or any combination of monitored parameters, can be determined.

[0049] The monitoring device is configured to work with or form part of the point-of-use components. The monitoring device typically includes a housing, which contains one or more sensors, a power supply, a communication unit, and optionally a processor.

[0050] In some embodiments, the sensors, power supply, communication unit, and processor are housed within the housing. In some embodiments, parts of one or more sensors, such as a temperature probe, flow meter, camera lens, or humidity sensor, may protrude from the housing.

[0051] Suitable sensors include cameras (for example, to monitor the condition of plants or the number of plants in the component at the time of use), temperature probes, air flow meters, light meters, and barcode readers. For example, a cultivation unit could have a barcode, which can be added to the hydroponic cultivation component at the time of use to enable scanning. Scanning this barcode allows the system to determine how long the cultivation unit has been in the hydroponic cultivation component.

[0052] Similarly, by periodically photographing the hydroponic components at the time of use, the number of removed growing units (and therefore those that need replacing) can be determined.

[0053] As can be understood, any suitable sensor as described above can be included in the sensor unit, and any combination of those sensors can be used in the sensor unit.

[0054] The sensors and processors can be powered using any suitable power supply, and all sensors and processors can be connected to the same power supply, or some sensors (or all sensors) and sensor processors can have separate power supplies.

[0055] In some embodiments, the sensor and processor are continuously active. In other embodiments, the sensor and processor are intermittently active (e.g., every 1 minute, 5 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes, or 60 minutes). Optionally, the cycle is programmable. In one embodiment, the cycle is modified based on data from one or more sensors. In another embodiment, the sensor and processor are activated manually or automatically by the sensor device or display device. In some embodiments, the sensor and processor are activated automatically when the sensor device starts operating.

[0056] In some embodiments, each sensor may have a different activation schedule (e.g., continuous, intermittent, manual). For example, a temperature sensor may periodically measure the temperature, and a camera may be automatically activated when motion is detected (e.g., when the cultivation unit is removed).

[0057] The processor is any suitable processor and may include or be coupled to memory for storing data received from the sensor. The processor may be connected to the sensor by wire or wirelessly. In some embodiments, the processor may include analytical algorithms for analyzing or partially analyzing the data received from the sensor. In other embodiments, the processor may be used to receive, store, and transmit the data received from the sensor.

[0058] The communication unit may be any suitable communication configuration capable of transmitting information from a processor or sensor to other devices or components (e.g., primary components). The communication unit can transmit this information by suitable wired or wireless technologies such as Bluetooth®, near-field communication, Wi-Fi, infrared, radio frequency, acoustic, or optical, or by a wired connection via the data port of the monitoring device.

[0059] Information transmitted from the point-of-use component to the primary component can be used to instruct the primary component to ship plants to replenish the point-of-use component, for example, to replace plants removed by the user from the point-of-use component or to replace plants that have been held in the point-of-use component for an extended period.

[0060] A method for cultivating and distributing plants is also provided. In this method, multiple plants are grown in a primary hydroponic component and then transferred from the primary hydroponic component to a point-of-use hydroponic component to maintain the optimal nutrient concentration of the plants. The point-of-use hydroponic component is located in close proximity to the primary hydroponic component.

[0061] This method further includes monitoring at least one parameter of a plant in a hydroponic component at the time of use, transmitting the measurement of at least one monitored parameter to a primary hydroponic component, and adjusting the plant in the hydroponic component at the time of use according to the measurement of at least one monitored parameter.

[0062] The measurements used for the adjustments described above may include monitoring parameters relating to the number of plants in the hydroponic component at the time of use, plant density, plant condition, temperature, relative humidity, light intensity, air velocity, air circulation, and the time the plants or cultivation unit have spent in the hydroponic component at the time of use. Preferably, the relevant measurements used are either monitoring parameters relating to plant density or the time spent in the hydroponic component at the time of use.

[0063] In one embodiment, this method provides consumers with plants at an optimal nutrient concentration in the point-of-use component. This includes, for example, adjusting the plants in the point-of-use component by removing plants in poor condition or replenishing plants removed from the point-of-use hydroponic component.

[0064] Preferably, the point-of-use components are in physical proximity to the primary component. For example, each point-of-use component may be located less than 5 kilometers, preferably less than 3 kilometers, and more preferably less than 2 kilometers from the primary component.

[0065] This makes it possible to distribute plants within the point-of-use component to consumers without requiring an external supply chain, and ideally without the need for vehicles.

[0066] Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be modified in various ways, as shown in the specific embodiments, without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. Therefore, these embodiments are illustrative and not limiting in any respect.

Claims

1. a) Primary hydroponic components for growing plants, b) Multiple point-of-use hydroponic components for maintaining optimal nutrient concentrations in plants, wherein the multiple point-of-use hydroponic components are physically in close proximity to the primary component, c) A monitoring device configured to measure at least one parameter of a plant in the plurality of hydroponic components at a given time of use and to transmit the at least one parameter to the primary hydroponic component. An integrated agricultural system equipped with [features / equipment].

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one parameter is selected from the number of plants, plant density, plant condition, plant air temperature, relative humidity, light intensity, air velocity, air circulation, and the time spent in the hydroponic component at the time of use, in at least one of the plurality of hydroponic components at the time of use.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the parameter is the density of plants, or the length of time spent in at least one of the plurality of point-of-use hydroponic components.

4. A method for cultivating and distributing plants, a) A step of growing multiple plants in a primary hydroponic component, b) A step of transferring plants from the primary hydroponic component to a plurality of point-of-use hydroponic components in order to maintain the optimal nutrient concentration of the plants, wherein the point-of-use hydroponic components are in close proximity to the primary hydroponic component. c) The steps of monitoring at least one parameter of a plant in the hydroponic component at the time of use, and transmitting the measured value of the monitored at least one parameter to the primary hydroponic component, d) A step of adjusting the plants in the hydroponic component at the time of use according to the measured value of the monitored at least one parameter. A method for cultivating and distributing plants, comprising [the specified element].

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the at least one parameter is selected from the number of plants in the hydroponic component at the time of use, the density of plants, the condition of the plants, the air temperature of the plants, relative humidity, light intensity, air velocity, air circulation, and the time spent in the hydroponic component at the time of use.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the parameter is the density of plants or the length of time spent in the hydroponic component at the time of use.

7. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the adjustment step includes removing plants in poor condition and / or replenishing plants removed from the hydroponic components at the time of use.

8. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the proximity is less than 5 kilometers, preferably less than 3 kilometers, and more preferably less than 2 kilometers.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the replenishment step does not involve the use of a vehicle.

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