WO2019113632A1

WO2019113632A1 - Apparatus for cultivating plants and method of cultivating plants using the apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2019113632A1
Application number: PCT/AU2018/051238
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kuan Soon Tan
Original assignee: Kuan Soon Tan
Priority date: 2017-12-13
Filing date: 2018-11-20
Publication date: 2019-06-20
Also published as: AU2018202143B1; AU2018384076A1

Abstract

An apparatus (100) for cultivating plants such as tuberous root vegetables comprises a tower (1) with a number of compartments (2a – 2d) arranged around a shaft (3). Each compartment houses a number of trays (4) stacked vertically in a nested arrangement. The trays are stacked at an inclined orientation and each tray a number of chambers for cultivating plant cuttings therein. Each tray comprises first and second tray portions (9, 10) which arranged in an opposed relationship to define the chambers. The plant cuttings are placed in the chambers and, as the plants grow, the two tray portions move apart to accommodate the growing plant. Once the plants are fully grown, they are harvested by lowering the trays out of the tower and removing the plants from the chambers. This is particularly suited to soilless cultivation, and has the advantage of enabling the plants to be grown with an increased yield per unit area compared to conventional methods of plant cultivation.

Description

APPARATUS FOR CULTIVATING PLANTS AND METHOD OF CULTIVATING

PLANTS USING THE APPARATUS

FI ELD OF TH E I NVE NTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus for the cultivation of plants, particularly in a soilless environment, and more particularly the growing of tuberous plants such as sweet potatoes. The present invention also relates to a method of cultivating plants using the apparatus of the present invention.

BACKG ROU N D TO TH E I NVE NTION

Sweet potato is a plant with tuberous roots and trailing stems or vines. The tubers have high food value and are a popular vegetable to eat.

Conventionally, sweet potatoes are grown from cuttings cultivated in soils. A plant cutting is a piece of a plant that is used in horticulture for vegetative (asexual) propagation. In cultivating sweet potatoes, the tuberous root of the sweet potato is used and is placed in a suitable medium. The medium may be a soil that is loamy and well drained with a pH of between 5.8 and 7.0.

It is also known to grow sweet potatoes in soilless environments i.e. hydroponically or aeroponically.

The present invention seeks to improve on the current approaches to increasing crop yields or at the very least seeks to provide an alternative thereto. S UM MARY OF TH E I NVENTION

The present invention provides a plant cultivation apparatus, the apparatus comprising a support structure for housing a plurality of trays stacked at an inclined orientation in a nested arrangement, each tray comprising first and second tray portions arranged in an opposed relationship to define one or more chambers for cultivating plant cuttings therein, the first and second tray portions being configured for movement between a first position in which they are in an engaged orientation, to a second position in which they are in a non-engaged orientation in which the first and second tray portions are separated, to thereby increase the volume of each chamber. This has the advantage of enabling the plants to be grown with an increased yield per unit area compared to conventional methods of plant cultivation.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tray for a plant cultivation apparatus, the apparatus comprising a support structure for housing a plurality of the trays stacked at an inclined orientation in a nested arrangement, wherein each tray comprising first and second tray portions arranged in an opposed relationship to define one or more chambers for cultivating plant cuttings therein, the first and second tray portions being configured for movement between a first position in which they are in an engaged orientation, to a second position in which they are in a non-engaged orientation in which the first and second tray portions are separated, to thereby increase the volume of each chamber.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of cultivating plants utilising an apparatus comprising a support structure for housing a plurality of trays stacked at an inclined orientation in a nested arrangement, the support structure comprising a plurality of compartments, each tray comprising one or more chambers for cultivating plant cuttings therein, the first and second tray portions being configured for movement between a first position in which they are in an engaged orientation, to a second position in which they are in a non-engaged orientation in which the first and second tray portions are separated, to thereby increase the volume of each chamber, the method comprising the steps of: filing each tray with cuttings of the plant to be grown; • inserting each tray, one at a time, into at least one of the compartments until the compartments are stacked with the trays in a nested arrangement; and

• inserting a retaining member underneath the stacked trays to retain the trays within the compartments.

It is to be recognised that other aspects, preferred forms and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the specification including the detailed description, examples, drawings and claims provided below.

B RI E F D ESCR I PTION OF D RAWI NGS In order to facilitate a better understanding of the present invention, preferred embodiments are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a first perspective view of the apparatus for cultivating plants;

Figure 2 is a second perspective view of the apparatus for cultivating plants; Figure 3 is a view of the bottom portion of the apparatus of Figures 1 and 2 illustrating the water draining system and the retaining member;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a stack of trays in a nested arrangement as viewed from the front;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a stack of trays in a nested arrangement as viewed from the rear;

Figure 6 is an illustrative exploded view of parts of the tray for the apparatus of Figures 1 and 2, without the side walls being shown;

Figure 7 is a schematic illustration of the first and second tray portions of a tray for the apparatus of Figures 1 and 2, shown from the underside; Figure 8 is a schematic illustration of the first and second tray portions of a tray for the apparatus of Figures 1 and 2, shown from the rear;

Figure 9 is a schematic illustration of the first and second tray portions of a tray for the apparatus of Figures 1 and 2, shown from the front; Figure 10 is a schematic view of a tray portion for the tray for the apparatus of Figures 1 and 2 to illustrate the placing of a tubers in the tray;

Figure 1 1 schematically illustrates how the first tray portion and second tray portions define the chamber for cultivating the plant cuttings therein;

Figure 12 is a schematic illustration of the second tray portion of a tray as shown in Figure 7 with a pest control housing incorporated therein;

Figure 13 is a perspective view of the apparatus illustrated in Figure 1 incorporating sensors and a conduit;

Figure 14 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the plant cultivation apparatus; Figure 15 schematically illustrates an arrangement of plant cultivation apparatus forming a cluster of plant cultivation apparatus;

Figure 16 schematically illustrates two apparatus joined by means of a connecting member; and

Figure 17 schematically illustrates an array of plant cultivation apparatus. D ETAI LE D D ESC R I PTION OF TH E I NVENTION

The present invention provides a plant cultivation apparatus, the apparatus comprising a support structure for housing a plurality of trays stacked at an inclined orientation in a nested arrangement, each tray comprising first and second tray portions arranged in an opposed relationship to define one or more chambers for cultivating plant cuttings therein, the first and second tray portions being configured for movement between a first position in which they are in an engaged orientation, to a second position in which they are in a non-engaged orientation in which the first and second tray portions are separated, to thereby increase the volume of each chamber.

This has the advantage of enabling the plants to be grown with an increased yield per unit area compared to conventional methods of plant cultivation.

Preferably, the plant is a plant with a tuberous root, and more preferably, is a sweet potato plant. Preferably, the trays are stacked one on top of another in a vertical nested arrangement.

Preferably, the trays are stacked at an angle between 20° and 70°, more preferably between 30° and 60°, and even more preferably at an angle 45°.

Preferably, the first and second tray portions comprise a base portion with a plurality of grooves formed therein, which, when the first and second tray portions are in the opposed relationship, define the one or more chambers.

Preferably, the grooves are contiguous.

Preferably, the grooves are V-shaped.

Preferably, the trays are stacked so as to be laterally offset with respect to an adjacent tray so that the grooves of adjacent trays fit together so as to provide the nested arrangement.

This enables the chambers to accommodate the plants as they grow.

Preferably, at least one of the first and second tray portions includes wall portions extending laterally from the base portion to close off the grooves and which define a retaining face for each chamber when the first and second tray portions are in the opposed relationship.

Preferably, the wall portions have a plurality of arrays of apertures provided therein such that, when the first and second tray portions are in the opposed relationship, each chamber has an array of apertures in the retaining face.

This facilitates the egress of water from the chamber during periods of irrigation.

Preferably, the tray portions include side walls extending from the base portion.

Preferably, one or more of the chambers has a cover with slots provided therein. This allows portions of the plant such as leaves or vine to grow out of the chamber and can prevent vermin and other pests from accessing the trays.

Preferably, the support structure comprises a plurality of compartments, each compartment being arranged to house a stack of trays stacked in the nested arrangement. Preferably, the support structure comprises four compartments arranged at right angles around a central support member. The central support member is configured for securing the support structure in the ground.

Preferably, the support structure comprises L-shaped wall portions attached to the central support member to define the compartments. Preferably, the central support member is a shaft having a square cross- section. Alternatively, the central support member comprises a post with a sleeve configured for free rotation around the post, with the post being configured for securing the support structure in the ground. Preferably, the sleeve has a square cross-section. Preferably, each compartment includes a retaining member to retain the trays in the stacked arrangement.

Preferably, the retaining member is removable.

Preferably, the retaining member comprises a plate mounted on a biasing member configured to apply an upwards force against the trays in the stacked arrangement to retain the trays in the stacked arrangement.

Preferably, the plant cultivation apparatus further includes sensing means configured to sense a plant cultivation parameter indicative of the cultivation environment around the plant cultivation apparatus. Preferably, the plant cultivation parameter may be indicative of one or more of: the nutrients supplied to the plant, the moisture content of the environment, or the temperature.

Preferably, the plant cultivation apparatus further includes a conduit configured to direct a liquid to plants cultivating therein. Preferably, the liquid is water and more preferably ozonated water. Alternatively, the conduit is configured to direct a gas or vapour to the plant cuttings cultivating therein. Preferably, the gas or vapour is ozone.

Preferably, the plant cultivation apparatus further includes at least one pest control device. Preferably, the pest control device is a pulsed electromagnetic field generator. Alternatively, the pest control device is an ultrasonic pest control device.

Preferably, the plant cultivation apparatus includes a connection member configured to connect the central support member to a central support member of an adjacent apparatus. Preferably, the central support member includes an extended portion that extends the central support member beyond the top of the apparatus. Preferably, the connection member is attached to the extended portion.

Preferably, the plant cultivation apparatus includes a base.

Preferably, the central support member is connected to the base.

Preferably, the central support member includes first and second connection members to connect the central support member to a central support member of an adjacent apparatus, the first connection member being attached to the extended portion of the central support member and the second connection member to the central support member between the trays and the base.

Preferably, the grooves are contiguous.

Preferably, the grooves are V-shaped.

Preferably, at least one of the first and second tray portions includes wall portions extending from the base portion to close off the grooves and which define a retaining face for each chamber when the first and second tray portions are in the opposed relationship.

Preferably, the tray further includes at least one pest control device. Preferably, the pest control device includes a housing, the housing being formed in one of the tray portions. Preferably, the pest control device is a pulsed electromagnetic field generator. Alternatively, the pest control device is an ultrasonic pest control device.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of cultivating plants utilising an apparatus comprising a support structure for housing a plurality of trays stacked at an inclined orientation in a nested arrangement, the support structure comprising a plurality of compartments, each tray comprising one or more chambers for cultivating plants therein, the first and second tray portions being configured for movement between a first position in which they are in an engaged orientation, to a second position in which they are in a non-engaged orientation in which the first and second tray portions are separated, to thereby increase the volume of each chamber, the method comprising the steps of:

• filling each tray with cuttings of the plant to be grown;

• inserting each tray, one at a time, into at least one of the compartments until the compartments are stacked with the trays in a nested arrangement; and • inserting a retaining member underneath the stacked trays to retain the trays within the compartments.

Preferably, the trays are angled at an angle of between 20° and 70°, more preferably between 30° and 60°, and even more preferably at an angle 45°. Preferably, the trays include a first tray portion and a second tray portion having grooves therein, and the method includes the step of: arranging the cuttings within the of one of the first tray portions and the second tray portion, placing the first and second tray portions in an opposing relationship so that the cuttings are each contained in a chamber defined by the grooves, prior to loading into the chambers.

Preferably, the method includes the further step of placing a cover on the chambers.

Preferably, the method includes the step of irrigating the cuttings.

Preferably, the method includes the steps of: determining when the plants are ready for harvesting; removing the retaining means to enable the trays to descend under gravity out of the compartment; and removing the plants from the trays.

Preferably, the method includes the step of arranging a plurality of the apparatus in an array prior to filling each tray with cuttings. Preferably, the array comprises one or more clusters comprising a plurality of apparatus, the method comprising the step of arranging the apparatus in the clusters.

Preferably, the cluster comprises a central apparatus and a plurality of outer apparatus. Preferably, the cluster comprises five apparatus. Preferably, the outer apparatus are coupled to the central apparatus.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for the cultivation of plants, the apparatus comprising a support structure for housing a plurality of trays stacked at an inclined orientation in a nested arrangement, each tray comprising one or more chambers for cultivating plant cuttings therein.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tray for an apparatus for the cultivation of plants, the apparatus comprising a support structure for housing a plurality of the trays stacked at an inclined orientation in a nested arrangement, each tray comprising first and second tray portions arranged in an opposed relationship to define one or more chambers for cultivating plant cuttings therein.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method cultivating plants utilising an apparatus comprising a support structure for housing a plurality of trays stacked at an inclined orientation in a nested arrangement, each tray comprising one or more chambers for cultivating plant cuttings therein, the method comprising the steps of:

• filing each tray with cuttings for the plant to be grown;

• inserting each tray, one at a time, in at least one of the compartments until the compartments are stacked with the trays in a nested arrangement; and

• inserting a retaining member underneath the stacked trays to retain the trays within the compartments

Preferably, the first and second tray portions are configured for movement between a first position in which they are in an engaged orientation, to a second position in which they are in a non-engaged orientation in which the first and second tray portions are separated, to thereby increase the volume of each chamber.

General

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. The invention includes all such variation and modifications. The invention also includes all of the steps and features referred to or indicated in the specification, individually or collectively and any and all combinations or any two or more of the steps or features.

Each document, reference, patent application or patent cited in this text is expressly incorporated herein in their entirety by reference, which means that it should be read and considered by the reader as part of this text. That the document, reference, patent application or patent cited in this text is not repeated in this text is merely for reasons of conciseness. None of the cited material or the information contained in that material should, however be understood to be common general knowledge.

The present invention is not to be limited in scope by any of the specific embodiments described herein. These embodiments are intended for the purpose of exemplification only. Functionally equivalent products and methods are clearly within the scope of the invention as described herein.

The invention described herein may include one or more range of values (e.g. size etc). A range of values will be understood to include all values within the range, including the values defining the range, and values adjacent to the range which lead to the same or substantially the same outcome as the values immediately adjacent to that value which defines the boundary to the range.

Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. Other definitions for selected terms used herein may be found within the detailed description of the invention and apply throughout. Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs. Description of the Preferred Embodiments

The apparatus 100 of the present invention is provided to grow plants such as sweet potatoes and the embodiment described herein will be described in relation to the cultivating of sweet potatoes, although the apparatus could be used to cultivate other plants. The apparatus is preferably used for soilless cultivation, although soil could also be used. Sweet potatoes are grown from cuttings comprising the tuberous roots of the plant which will hereinafter be referred to as a“tuber”. The term cutting as used herein can be taken to include other plant parts and seeds from which plants can be cultivated or grown.

The apparatus 100 comprises a support structure in the form of a tower 1. The tower 1 comprises a number of compartments 2a - 2d arranged around a central support member in the form of a shaft 3. Each compartment 2a - 2d houses a number of trays 4 stacked vertically in a nested arrangement.

In the embodiment described herein, the shaft 3 has a square cross-section with four faces 7a - 7d. Mounted on each face 7a - 7d, and running lengthways along the shaft 3, are L- shaped wall portions 5a - 5d, each extending laterally of the shaft 3. The L-shaped wall portions 5a - 5d define the compartments 2a - 2d. The free edge of each wall portion 5a - 5d has a lip 6a - 6d extending along its length to assist in retaining the trays 4 in place within the compartments 2a - 2d as will be described in further detail below.

The compartments 2a - 2d are thus arranged at right angles to each other around the shaft 3. A water draining system in the form of a gutter 8 extends around the lower section of wall portions 5a - 5d and is connected to a down pipe 25 which directs water to a central water collection point (not shown). To assist in directing water into the water draining system, the gutter 8 can be angled into the down pipe 25. The water draining system collects water run-off from the plant irrigation process and also collects rainwater. Figure 3 illustrates this schematically. For clarity, Figure 3 shows only a part of the water draining system, which would extend all the way around the bottom of the tower 1.

The shaft 3 can be hollow or solid. The shaft 3 is secured into the ground by any suitable means.

In alternative embodiment, the central support member may comprise a circular post (not shown) running internally of the shaft 3 so that the shaft 3 can rotate around the circular post. In this embodiment, the shaft 3 is in the form of a sleeve that can freely rotate around the circular post, with the post being secured into the ground instead of the shaft 3.

The compartments 2a - 2d are configured to house the trays 4 in a nested arrangement.

Each tray 4 comprises a first tray portion 9 and a second tray portion 10. Each tray portion 9, 10 comprises a base portion 13 having a plurality of contiguous V-shaped grooves 1 1.

In use, the two tray portions 9, 10 are arranged in an opposing relationship so that opposing grooves 1 1 define a plurality of chambers 12 of square or diamond shaped cross-section. This is illustrated in Figure 1 1.

The grooves 11 could have other cross-sectional profiles. For example, the grooves 1 1 could have a three-sided cross-sectional profile, with a flat bottom and angled side-walls which, when the two tray portions 9, 10 are arranged in an opposing relationship, the opposing grooves 1 1 define a chamber 12 with a hexagonal or honeycomb-shaped cross-section. Having grooves with inclined side walls prevents the trays 4 from sticking or locking together when the trays are stacked with the tubers therein. This can stop the trays 4 from sliding out of the compartments when the plants are ready for harvesting as will be discussed below. The first and second tray portions 9, 10 are not fixed together but are able to move apart from each other to accommodate the growing tubers - see the double headed arrow in Figure 1 1. In this way, the first and second tray portions 9, 10 are configured for movement between a first position in which they are in an engaged orientation, to a second position in which they are in a non-engaged orientation in which the first and second tray portions 10, 1 1 are separated. This provides an increase in the volume of each chamber 12 to accommodate the plant as it grows.

The first and second tray portions 9, 10 include wall portions 14 extending laterally from, and along the width of, the base portion 13 and which close off the grooves 1 1 . When the first and second tray portions 9, 10 are in the opposed relationship, the wall portions 14 for each groove 1 1 define a retaining face 16 for each chamber 12. The wall portions 14 may include a plurality of arrays of apertures 15 provided therein such that each chamber 12 has an array of apertures 15 in the retaining face 16. This allows water to escape after irrigation.

In this embodiment, for each tray 4, one tray portion 10 will have an array of apertures 15 in the wall portions 14, while the other tray will not - see, for example, Figure 5.

The first or second tray portions 9, 10 also include a side walls 17 to close of the edges of the tray portions 9, 10.

In use, the trays 4 are arranged so as to be laterally offset with respect to an adjacent tray 4 so that, when the adjacent trays 4 are stacked together, the grooves of one tray fit into grooves of the other tray 4 so as to provide the nested arrangement. The trays 4 therefore rest one on top of another in a stack 19 of trays 4 without significant gaps between the trays 4, thereby optimising the space with the compartment 2a - 2d.

The weight of the trays and their contents, along with any additional, superimposed weight keeps the trays 4 in the stacked arrangement.

Prior to mounting within the tower 1 , each tray is filled sweet potato tubers 24. The tubers 24 are arranged within each groove 1 1 of one of the tray portions 9, and the second tray portion 10 is then placed in opposing relationship so that the tubers 24 are each contained in a chamber 12. Figure 8 illustrates the tubers 24 in the grooves 1 1 , with the double-headed arrows indicating how the two tray portions 9, 10 can move apart as the tubers 24 grow.

A cover 22 is placed over the open end of each chamber 12. The cover 22 also has slots 23 provide therein to allow the tubers 24 to be irrigated with nutrient filled water as required, and to enable the vines to grow out. It also protects against vermin getting in to the tray 4. The cover 22 can be dimensioned so that it extends up to the outer surface of the base portions 13, rather than being recessed internally of the open ends of the chambers 12.

Once filled with tubers 24 and the covers 22 put in place, the trays 4 are inserted into each compartment 2a - 2d, from the bottom of the tower 1 , one tray 4 at a time. As discussed above, the trays 4 are oriented so that they are mounted at an angle, and in a nested, or tessellated arrangement. The lip 6a - 6d of each wall portion 5a - 5d serves to guide and retain the trays 4 in their respective compartment 2a - 2d as they are inserted. The trays 4 are housed at an angle between 20° and 70° subtended to the vertical i.e. to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 3. In a preferred embodiment the angle is between 30° and 60°, and even more preferably at an angle 45°. The trays 4 are angled such that the retaining face 16 for each chamber 12 is located towards the shaft 3 and the covered end of the chambers 12 facing upwards in a direction away from the shaft 3. In this orientation, water used for irrigating the tubers 24 flows through the slots 23 in the cover 22 onto the tuber 24 and downwards, exiting the chamber 12 via the array of apertures 15 in the retaining face 16 and into the water draining system.

Once the required number of trays 4 have been inserted into a compartment 2a - 2d, a retaining member 18 is provided at the base of each stack 19 of nested trays 4. The retaining member 18 is removable from the compartment 2a - 2d so that it can be removed while the trays 4 are being inserted and can then be removed when the trays 2a - 2d are to be removed.

Figure 3 illustrates a retaining member 18. For clarity, Figure 3 shows only one retaining member 18, although retaining members would be provide in each compartment 2a - 2b. To optimise the yield of sweet potatoes, all compartments are stacked with trays 4, although, it is not necessary to fill all compartments 2a - 2d.

The retaining member 18 is in the form of a plate 20 mounted on a biasing member 21 in the form of a compression spring, or other suitable biasing member 21. The biasing force of the biasing member 21 is selected to provide an upward force to the stack 19 of trays 4 to retaining them within the compartment 2a - 2d. As the tubers 24 grow, the volume of the chamber 12 expands so moving the tray portions 9, 10 apart as shown by the arrows in Figures 4, 5 and 8.

Furthermore, as the tubers 24 grow the weight of the stack 19 of trays 4 provides a downward force onto the biasing member 21 which causes the plate 20 to move downwards. The retaining member 18 can be calibrated to provide an indication that the tubers 24 are ready for harvesting i.e. that they are reached the correct weight. To take the trays 4 out, the retaining member 18 is removed and the trays 4 will fall down under gravity and can be removed from the tower.

In another embodiment, each tray 4 can be provided with an indicator (not shown) to show which trays 4 are expanding at a faster rate than the others. A weight (not shown) can be placed on top of each stack 19 of trays 4. The use of the weight prevents the upper tray from becoming dislodged from the stack 19, for example, as a result of wind gusts. This additional weight, combined with the inherent weight of the trays and the plants therein, serves to keep the trays stacked within the compartments 2a - 2d. The weight can be a weight of 50kg, which is sufficient to hold the upper tray in place in winds with a speed of up to 100 km per hour.

The tray portions 9, 10 are moulded in piece of food grade high density polyethylene (HDPE).

The tower 1 is made from HDPE and is made in modular units that can then be stacked to form the tower 1. For a 5m high tower 1 , five 1 m high units are made and stacked. The wall portions 5a - 5d can be solid or made of a honeycomb structure which makes it lighter and saves on manufacturing costs. Such structures can also be stronger, thereby supporting a greater weight of tubers. The height of the tower 1 will be determined by the environment in which the plants are cultivated, and will depend upon the temperature and amount of sunlight. The higher the tower 1 , the more efficient the harvest and yield.

In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus 100 can incorporate a pest control device 26.

The pest control device 26 is a pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) generating device configured to generate a pulsed electromagnetic field. The PEMF generated by the pest control device 26 is generated at a radio frequency (RF) which has a deterrent effect on pests such as rodents. Such RF frequency devices for use in pest control are known and any suitable device can be incorporated into the apparatus 100.

The pest control device 26 comprises a housing 27 which is moulded onto the underside of the base portion 13 of one of the tray portions 8, 9. This is illustrated schematically in Figure 1 1.

The housing encases all the required circuitry for the pest control device including an RF transmitter (not shown) and a power source such as a battery (not shown).

The pest control device 26 is advantageously provided on the uppermost tray 4 of a nested stack or on the lowermost tray 4 of the nested stack. In an alternative, ultrasonic pest control devices can be utilised.

Ultrasonic and electromagnetic pest control devices are known and, as such, need not be described in any further detail herein, except as is relevant to the present invention.

The number of pest control devices required will depend upon the particular environment. As an example, one pest control device per 20 m² area would be sufficient.

In another embodiment, one of the compartments 2a - 2d can include one or more sensors 29. This is illustrated in Figure 13. In the embodiment described herein, four sensors 29 are provided. The sensors 29 can be used to monitor a variety of soil parameters such as moisture, nutrient content, gas content of the soil, and soil density (to check if soil is becoming compacted). The sensors 29 can be any suitable sensor as required by the application and include communication means (not shown) to transmit the data relating to the sensed parameters to a remote monitoring station which enables a user to monitor the status of the plant being cultivated. In this embodiment, the sensors 29 are provided on an internal surface 28 of the compartment 2a - 2d. Sensors can also be provided elsewhere if required.

Ozone or ozonated water can be fed to the pod by means of a pipe 30 or other form of conduit. This is shown in Figure 13. Ozone has known anti-microbial properties and can be used to promote plant growth. The pipe 30 can also be used to supply water for general irrigation purposes. The pipe 30 can also be used to direct ozone gas or ozonated water vapour into the tower environment.

In yet a further embodiment, the shaft 3 extends beyond the top of the tower 1 , and the tower 1 includes a base 32 at the bottom of the shaft 3. This is illustrated in Figure 14.

In use, it has been found that in order to increase yield the towers 1 are advantageously arranged in an array of towers.

In particular, five towers 1 are arranged in a cluster 31 of attached towers 1 , with a central tower 1 a with four outer towers 1 b to 1 c arranged equidistantly around the central tower 1 a and extending from the free edges of each free edge of the L- shaped portion 5a to 5d of the central tower 1 a. This is illustrated in Figure 15.

A number of similar clusters 31 are then arranged to form an array 32 of towers 1 . This is illustrated in Figure 17 in which an‘X’ denotes a single tower 1 .

A typical installation would comprise between 650 and 2000 towers per hectare. When constructing a cluster 31 of towers 1 , the embodiment of the tower 1 illustrated in Figure 14 is preferably utilised.

As shown in Figure 16, the extending portion 33’ of the shaft 3’ of one tower 1 a - which is preferably the central tower - can be coupled to another extending portion 33” of an adjacent tower 1 c, by means a rod 34.

By coupling the outer towers 1 c to the central tower 1 a of a cluster 31 , the towers are stabilised. The provision of the base 32 and the connecting rod 34, provide additional stability. A similar connecting rod 34 can be provided between the portion of the shaft 3 between the trays 4 and the base 32 for additional stability.

Arrays may comprise many thousands of towers if land is available. Such large arrays would preferably include an automated plant recovery system to harvest the plants once grown. Such an automated plant recovery system would comprise mechanical and robotic apparatus operated under computer control.

As would be apparent, various alterations and equivalent forms may be provided without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. This includes modifications within the scope of the appended claims along with all modifications, alternative constructions and equivalents.

In the present specification, the presence of particular features does not preclude the existence of further features. The words“comprising”,“including” and“having” are to be construed in an inclusive rather than an exclusive sense.

Claims

CLAI MS

1 . A plant cultivation apparatus, the apparatus comprising a support structure for housing a plurality of trays stacked at an inclined orientation in a nested arrangement, each tray comprising first and second tray portions arranged in an opposed relationship to define one or more chambers for cultivating plant cuttings therein, the first and second tray portions being configured for movement between a first position in which they are in an engaged orientation, to a second position in which they are in a non-engaged orientation in which the first and second tray portions are separated, to thereby increase the volume of each chamber.

2. A plant cultivation apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the trays are stacked at an angle between 20° and 70°.

A plant cultivation apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first and second tray portions comprise a base portion with a plurality of grooves formed therein, which, when the first and second tray portions are in the opposed relationship, define the one or more chambers.

4. A plant cultivation apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the grooves are contiguous.

5. A plant cultivation apparatus according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the grooves are V-shaped.

A plant cultivation apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the trays are stacked so as to be laterally offset with respect to an adjacent tray so that the grooves of adjacent trays fit together so as to provide the nested arrangement.

7. A plant cultivation apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the first and second tray portions includes wall portions extending laterally from the base portion to close off the grooves and which define a retaining face for each chamber when the first and second tray portions are in the opposed relationship.

8. A plant cultivation apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the wall portions have a plurality of arrays of apertures provided therein such that, when the first and second tray portions are in the opposed relationship, each chamber has an array of apertures in the retaining face.

9. A plant cultivation apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the tray portions include side walls extending from the base portion.

10. A plant cultivation apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein one or more of the chambers has a cover with slots provided therein.

1 1 .A plant cultivation apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the support structure comprises a plurality of compartments, each compartment being arranged to house a stack of trays stacked in the nested arrangement.

12. A plant cultivation apparatus according to claim 1 1 , wherein the support structure comprises L-shaped wall portions attached to a central support member to define the compartments.

13. A plant cultivation apparatus according to claims 1 1 or claim 12, wherein each compartment includes a retaining member to retain the trays in the stacked arrangement.

14. A plant cultivation apparatus according to claim 13, wherein, the retaining member is removable.

15. A plant cultivation apparatus according to claims 13 or claim 14, wherein the retaining member comprises a plate mounted on a biasing member configured to apply an upwards force against the trays in the stacked arrangement to retain the trays in the stacked arrangement.

16. A plant cultivation apparatus according to any preceding claim further comprising sensing means configured to sense a plant cultivation parameter indicative of the cultivation environment around the plant cultivation apparatus.

17. A plant cultivation apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the plant cultivation apparatus further includes a conduit configured to direct a liquid to plants cultivating therein.

18. A plant cultivation apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the plant cultivation apparatus further includes at least one pest control device.

19. A plant cultivation apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the plant cultivation apparatus includes a connection member configured to connect the central support member to a central support member of an adjacent plant cultivation apparatus.

20. A plant cultivation apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the central support member includes an extended portion that extends the central support member beyond the top of the apparatus, the connection member being attached to the extended portion.

21 .A plant cultivation apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the plant cultivation apparatus includes a base.

22. A tray for a plant cultivation apparatus, the apparatus comprising a support structure for housing a plurality of the trays stacked at an inclined orientation in a nested arrangement, wherein each tray comprising first and second tray portions arranged in an opposed relationship to define one or more chambers for cultivating plant cuttings therein, the first and second tray portions being configured for movement between a first position in which they are in an engaged orientation, to a second position in which they are in a non-engaged orientation in which the first and second tray portions are separated, to thereby increase the volume of each chamber.

23. A tray according to claim 22, wherein the first and second tray portions comprise a base portion with a plurality of grooves formed therein, which, when the first and second tray portions are in the opposed relationship, define the one or more chambers.

24. A tray according to claim 23, wherein the grooves are contiguous.

25. A tray according to claim 23 or claim 24, wherein the grooves are V- shaped.

26. A tray according to any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein at least one of the first and second tray portions includes wall portions extending laterally from the base portion to close off the grooves and which define a retaining face for each chamber when the first and second tray portions are in the opposed relationship.

27. A tray according to claim 26, wherein the wall portions have a plurality of arrays of apertures provided therein such that, when the first and second tray portions are in the opposed relationship, each chamber has an array of apertures in the retaining face.

28. A tray according to any of claims 22 to 27, wherein the tray portions include side walls extending from the base portion.

29. A tray according to any of claims 22 to 28, wherein the tray portions further includes at least one pest control device.

30. A method of cultivating plants utilising an apparatus comprising a support structure for housing a plurality of trays stacked at an inclined orientation in a nested arrangement, the support structure comprising a plurality of compartments, each tray comprising one or more chambers for cultivating plant cuttings therein, the first and second tray portions being configured for movement between a first position in which they are in an engaged orientation, to a second position in which they are in a non-engaged orientation in which the first and second tray portions are separated, to thereby increase the volume of each chamber, the method comprising the steps of:

• filling each tray with cuttings of the plant to be grown;

31 .A method according to claim 30, wherein the trays include a first tray portion and a second tray portion having grooves therein, and the method includes the step of: arranging the cuttings within the of one of the first tray portions and the second tray portion, placing the first and second tray portions in an opposing relationship so that the cuttings are each contained in a chamber defined by the grooves, prior to loading into the chambers.

32. A method according to claim 30 or claim 31 , wherein the method includes the further step of placing a cover on the chambers.

33. A method according to claim 30, claim 31 or claim 32, wherein the method includes the step of irrigating the cuttings.

34. A method according to any one of claims 30 to claim 33, wherein the method includes the steps of: determining when the plants are ready for harvesting; removing the retaining means to enable the trays to descend under gravity out of the compartment; and removing the plants from the trays.

35. A method according to any one of claims 30 to claim 34, wherein the method includes the step of arranging a plurality of the apparatus in an array prior to filling each tray with cuttings.

36. A method according to claim 35, wherein the array comprises one or more clusters comprising a plurality of apparatus, the method comprising the step of arranging the apparatus in the clusters.

37. A method according to claim 36, wherein the cluster comprises a central apparatus and a plurality of outer apparatus.

38. A method according to claim 36 or claim 37, wherein the cluster comprises five apparatus.

39. A method according to claim 36 or claim 37, wherein the outer apparatus are coupled to the central apparatus.