WO2021023917A1

WO2021023917A1 - Aeroponic farming system and method for aeroponic farming

Info

Publication number: WO2021023917A1
Application number: PCT/FI2020/050518
Authority: WO
Inventors: Raine HERMANS; Markku Peittola
Original assignee: Siukkula Oy
Priority date: 2019-08-06
Filing date: 2020-08-05
Publication date: 2021-02-11
Also published as: FI130706B1; EP4009774A4; EP4009774A1; FI20195666A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an aeroponic farming system (2) for growing tuber plants or root vegetable plants (50) having an aerial shoot (52) and underground root part (54). The system comprises a plant support base (4) for supporting the plant (50) such that the aerial shoot (52) is arranged above the plant support base (4) and the root part (54) below the plant support base (4) and a growing chamber (6) provided below the plant support base (4) and having a chamber space (20, 21). The growing chamber (6) comprises a partitioning wall (16) arranged to divide the closed chamber space (20, 21) into an upper growing space (20) for enclosing the root part (54) of the plant (50) and a lower liquid space (21) for retaining growing liquid (22).

Description

AEROPONIC FARMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AEROPONIC FARMING

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an aeroponic farming system and more particularly to an aeroponic farming system according to preamble of claim 1. The present invention further relates to a method for aeroponic farming and more particularly to a method for aeroponic farming according to preamble of claim 11.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Aeroponic farming is the process of growing plants in an air or mist environment without the use of soil or an aggregate medium, known as geoponics. Aeroponic farming differs from conventional hydroponic farming, known as aquaponics. Unlike hydroponics, which uses a liquid nutrient solution as a growing medium and essential minerals to sustain plant growth, aeroponics is conducted without a growing medium. Accordingly, in aeroponic farming the roots or root part of the plant is not placed or immersed in any solid or liquid growing medium.

The basic principle of aeroponic growing is to grow plants suspended in a closed or semi-closed environment by spraying the dangling roots or the plant with an atomized or sprayed, nutrient rich water solution, meaning growing liquid. The leaves and crown, often called the aerial shoot, extend above and outside the closed environment. The roots of the plant are separated by the plant support structure to which the plant is supported such that the roots extend from the plant support structure to the closed environment. Often, foam or other elastic material is compressed around the lower stem or the plant and inserted into an opening in the plans support structure. The closed environment is arranged to be dark by providing a growing chamber having non-transparent chamber walls.

During the aeroponic growing process the roots of the plant are sprayed with the growing liquid at certain intervals in the growing chamber which provides the closed and dark environment. Excessive growing liquid flows or drops to bottom of the growing chamber from the bottom of the growing chamber the excessive growing liquid may be drained by utilizing gravity.

One of the problems associated with the prior art is that during the growing process the roots of the grow continuously and reach the bottom or bottom part of the growing chamber. The bottom part of the growing chamber remains wet due to the excessive growing liquid. There may be a layer of growing liquid at the bottom of the growing chamber. Thus, when the roots of the plant grow and reach the bottom of the growing chamber, the roots at the bottom of the growing chamber are in continuous contact the growing liquid This may cause deterioration of the roots or the plant. This is especially problematic when growing tuber plants or root vegetable plants in which the root part provides tubers or root vegetables to be utilized as food or nutrition. The tubers or root vegetables may become deteriorated if they remain direct contact with the growing liquid continuously.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide an aeroponic farming system and a method for aeroponic farming so as to solve or at least alleviate the prior art disadvantages. The objects of the invention are achieved by an aeroponic farming system which is characterized by what is stated in independent claim 1. The objects of the present invention are further achieved by a method for aeroponic farming which is characterized by what is stated in independent claim 11.

The preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.

The invention is based on the idea of providing an aeroponic farming system for growing tuber plants or root vegetable plants having an aerial shoot and underground root part. The system comprises a plant support base for supporting the plant. The plant support base comprises a support opening arranged to support the plant such that the plant extends through the plant support base via the support opening and such that the aerial shoot is arranged on a first side of the plant support base and the root part is arranged on a second side of the plant support base. The aeroponic farming system further comprises a growing chamber provided on the second side of the plant support base. The growing chamber comprises growing chamber walls defining a closed chamber space. The growing chamber walls non-transparent such that light is prevented from entering the growing chamber from outside and the closed growing chamber may be kept dark. The growing chamber further comprises a partitioning wall arranged to divide the closed chamber space into an upper growing space and a lower liquid space. The upper growing space is provided between the plant support base and the partitioning wall for enclosing the root part of the plant, and the lower liquid space being provided between the partitioning sheet and a bottom wall of the growing chamber for retaining growing liquid. Accordingly, in the present invention, the closed chamber space inside the growing chamber is divided into upper growing space for enclosing the root part of the plant and to a lower liquid space for retaining growing liquid. Therefore, the root part and thus the tuber or root vegetables may be prevented from reaching or lying in the growing liquid during the aeroponic growing process. This enhances the growing process and enables controlling the growing environment of the root part in more detail.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the system further comprises one or more growing liquid nozzles arranged to spray growing liquid to the upper growing space of the growing chamber. The growing liquid nozzles may be arranged to the growing chamber walls or inside the growing chamber and arranged to spray growing liquid to the upper growing space or in the upper growing space. Thus, in this embodiment the growing liquid nozzles are arranged to the upper growing space or to the lower liquid space.

In another embodiment, the system comprises one or more growing liquid nozzles arranged to the upper growing space and arranged to spray growing liquid to the upper growing space of the growing chamber for providing growing liquid to the root part of the plant.

In a further embodiment, the system comprises one or more growing liquid nozzles having a nozzle head open into the upper growing space and arranged to spray growing liquid to the upper growing space of the growing chamber. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the growing liquid nozzles are arranged to chamber walls or to the partitioning wall of the growing chamber such that the nozzle head of the growing liquid nozzle is open into the upper growing space. Accordingly, the growing liquid nozzle may be arranged outside the growing chamber or embedded into the chamber walls or to the partitioning wall.

In one embodiment, the system further comprises growing liquid reservoir provided to the lower liquid space and arranged to retain growing liquid. Accordingly, the growing chamber and the growing liquid reservoir inside the growing chamber retains growing liquid which is sprayed to the upper growing space. Thus, no separate container or continuous flow of growing liquid is needed.

In one embodiment, the growing chamber walls are arranged to provide the growing liquid reservoir. The growing chamber walls itself form the growing liquid reservoir in the lower liquid space. Thus, the growing chamber walls are made of waterproof material or comprise waterproof sealing layer.

In another embodiment, side walls and the bottom wall of the growing chamber are arranged to provide the growing liquid reservoir. Accordingly, the growing chamber reservoir is provided at the bottom or lower part of the growing liquid chamber or to the lower liquid space inside the growing chamber.

In a further embodiment, the lower liquid space is provided with a separate growing liquid reservoir arranged below the partitioning wall. Accordingly, in this embodiment there is separate waterproof growing liquid reservoir or container arranged or provided to the lower liquid space. In this embodiment, the growing chamber walls do not necessary need to be waterproof.

The growing liquid reservoir enables holding or storing coating liquid inside the aeroponic farming system. Thus, there is no need for separate container for the growing liquid and further there is no need for providing continuous supply of growing liquid to the aeroponic farming system.

In one embodiment, the system comprises a liquid circulation arrangement arranged to supply growing liquid from the growing liquid reservoir to one or more of the growing liquid nozzles. Accordingly, the growing liquid in the growing liquid reservoir in the lower liquid space is supplied to the one or more growing liquid nozzles and further sprayed to the upper growing space. Therefore, the growing liquid may be circulated from lower liquid of the growing chamber to the upper growing space by spraying to be utilized for the growing process.

In another embodiment, the system comprises a liquid circulation arrangement arranged to supply growing liquid from the growing liquid reservoir in the lower liquid space to one or more of the growing liquid nozzles arranged in the upper growing space. Accordingly, the one or more growing liquid nozzle are arranged into the upper growing space and the growing liquid is supplied from the lower liquid space to the upper growing space and to the one or more growing liquid nozzles in the upper growing space with the circulation arrangement. In the upper growing space the growing liquid is further sprayed with the one or more growing liquid nozzles.

In one embodiment, the liquid circulation arrangement is arranged inside the growing chamber. In this embodiment, the circulation of the growing liquid is carried out inside the growing chamber. Thus, the growing liquid does not leave the inside the of the growing chamber when it is circulated from the lower liquid space to the upper growing space with the circulation arrangement and with the growing liquid nozzles. This provides a compact and simple structure for the system and for the growing chamber. The number of lead-throughs through the growing chamber walls may be minimized. In another embodiment, the liquid circulation arrangement is arranged outside the growing chamber. In this embodiment, the growing liquid is discharged from the growing chamber outside the chamber space and further supplied to the one or more growing liquid nozzle with the circulation arrangement. The growing liquid nozzles further spray the growing liquid to the upper growing space for carrying out the aeroponic growing process. This enables easy maintenance of the circulation arrangement. Further, the growing chamber may be kept free of equipment.

The circulation arrangement enables efficient use of growing liquid.

In one embodiment, the system comprises a growing liquid inlet arrangement arranged to supply growing liquid into the growing chamber. The inlet arrangement enables adding growing liquid to the system and thus the growing liquid may be added to the system or to the growing liquid reservoir when needed.

In one embodiment, the growing liquid inlet arrangement is connected to the growing chamber and arranged to the supply growing liquid to the lower liquid space of the growing chamber. Thus, in this embodiment, the growing liquid inlet arrangement is arranged supply growing liquid to the growing liquid chamber or directly to the growing liquid reservoir in the lower liquid space.

In another embodiment, the growing liquid inlet arrangement is connected to one or more of the growing liquid nozzles and arranged to the supply growing liquid to one or more of the growing liquid nozzles. In this embodiment, the newly added growing liquid is brought to the growing chamber via the growing liquid nozzles. Thus, the system may be provided more simple as a separate inlet to the growing chamber may be avoided.

In a further embodiment, the growing liquid inlet arrangement is connected to the liquid circulation arrangement and arranged to the supply growing liquid to the growing chamber via one or more of the growing liquid nozzles. Also in this embodiment, the newly added growing liquid may be brought to the system via the growing liquid nozzles and separate inlet to the growing chamber may be avoided.

In one embodiment, the growing chamber is provided with a surface lever sensor arranged to measure the surface level of the growing liquid in the lower liquid space. The surface level sensor measures the amount of the growing liquid in the lower liquid space or in the growing liquid reservoir. Thus, the need for new growing liquid to the system via the inlet arrangement may be defined. In another embodiment, the growing chamber is provided with a surface lever sensor arranged to measure the surface level of the growing liquid in the lower liquid space. The surface level sensor is connected to the growing liquid inlet arrangement for automatically supplying growing liquid. Thus, the system may automatically take new growing liquid based on the measured amount of growing liquid in the lower growing liquid space or in the growing liquid reservoir.

In one embodiment, the aeroponic growing system further comprises a discharge connection provided between the upper growing space and the lower liquid space. The discharge connection being arranged to discharge excessive growing liquid sprayed into the upper growing space from the upper growing space to the lower liquid space or to the growing liquid reservoir in the lower liquid space. Accordingly, the excessive growing liquid is discharged from the upper growing space in which the root part of the plant is arranged. Thus, the growing liquid does not accumulate to the upper growing space but may be transported to the lower liquid space from which it may be circulated to the growing liquid nozzles. Further, the root part of the plant is not retained in the growing liquid and prevented from deteriorating.

Preferably, the discharge connection is provided inside the growing chamber. However, the discharge connection may also be provided between the upper growing space and the lower liquid space outside the growing chamber.

In another embodiment, the aeroponic growing system further comprises a discharge connection provided to the partitioning wall between the upper growing space and the lower liquid space. The discharge connection being arranged to discharge excessive growing liquid sprayed into the upper growing space from the upper growing space to the lower liquid space or to the growing liquid reservoir in the lower liquid space. In this embodiment, the growing liquid is discharged from the upper growing space via or through the partitioning wall between the upper growing space and the lower liquid space. Thus, the excessive growing liquid may drop from the root part of the plant on the partitioning wall and flow via or through the partitioning wall to the lower liquid space. Therefore, no separate discharge connection needs to be provided outside the growing chamber.

In one embodiment, the partitioning wall is made of liquid permeable fabric material, net material, or grid material allowing excessive growing liquid flow through the partitioning wall from the upper growing space to the lower liquid space. In this embodiment, the partitioning wall comprises holes or grid or net holes or is made of porous material allowing or some other liquid permeable material allowing growing liquid flow through the partitioning wall material from the upper growing space to the lower liquid space. Thus, no separate discharge connection is needed. Accumulation of excessive growing liquid in the upper growing space is prevented.

In another embodiment, the partitioning wall is made of liquid impermeable plate material or liquid impermeable fabric material and provided with flow openings allowing excessive growing liquid flow through the partitioning wall from the upper growing space to the lower liquid space. In this embodiment, the excessive growing liquid is guided through the flow openings in the partitioning wall form the upper growing space to the lower liquid space for discharging the excessive growing liquid from the upper growing space. This provides a controlled discharge of the growing liquid.

In a further embodiment, the partitioning wall is made of liquid impermeable plate or liquid impermeable fabric material, and the system comprises a flow connection provided or extending between the upper growing space and the lower liquid space allowing excessive growing liquid flow from the upper growing space to the lower liquid space. Preferably, the discharge connection is provided inside the growing chamber. However, the discharge connection may also be provided between the upper growing space and the lower liquid space outside the growing chamber. This allows also controlled discharge of the excessive growing liquid.

The present invention further relates to a method for aeroponic farming of tuber plants or root vegetable plants having an aerial shoot and underground root part in an aeroponic farming system. System comprises a plant support base for supporting the plant. The plant support base comprises a support opening arranged to support the plant such that the plant extends through the plant support base via the support opening and such that the aerial shoot is arranged above the plant support base and the root part below the plant support base. The system also comprises a growing chamber provided below the plant support base. The growing chamber comprises growing chamber walls defining a closed chamber space. The growing chamber walls are non-transparent, the growing chamber enclosing the root part of the plant. The system further comprises a partitioning wall arranged to divide the closed chamber space into an upper growing space and a lower liquid space. The upper growing space is provided between the plant support base and the liquid permeable partitioning wall for enclosing the root part of the plant, and the lower liquid space is provided between the liquid permeable partitioning sheet and a bottom wall of the growing chamber for retaining growing liquid.

The method according to the present invention comprises spraying growing liquid in the upper growing space to the root part of the plant, discharging excessive growing liquid from the upper growing space, and collecting the excessive growing liquid discharged from the upper growing space to the lower liquid space.

During the aeroponic farming growing liquid is sprayed to the root part of the plant. Not all the growing liquid is absorbed by the root part of the plant. Thus, there will remain excessive growing liquid in the upper growing space. The excessive growing liquid is discharged from the upper growing space such that the root part and tubers or root vegetables are not immersed to subjected to static liquid growing liquid. This excessive growing liquid is collected to the lower liquid space inside the growing chamber.

In one embodiment, the method comprises taking growing liquid from the lower liquid space and spraying the growing liquid taken from the lower liquid space in the upper growing space to the root part of the plant. Thus, the collected growing liquid is reused and sprayed again into the upper growing space.

In another embodiment, the method comprises spraying growing liquid in the upper growing space to the root part of the plant with one or more growing liquid nozzles, and circulating growing liquid from the lower growing liquid space to the one or more growing liquid nozzles to be sprayed to the root part of the plant. Thus, the same growing liquid may be circulated in the system for providing efficient aeroponic farming.

In one embodiment, discharging excessive growing liquid from the upper growing space comprises draining the excessive growing liquid through the partitioning wall. The partitioning wall is made of liquid permeable fabric material, net material, or grid material allowing excessive growing liquid flow through the partitioning wall from the upper growing space to the lower liquid space. Thus, the growing liquid may penetrate the partitioning wall such that the excessive growing liquid flow through the liquid permeable partitioning wall. The liquid permeable partitioning wall discharges excessive growing liquid from the upper growing space but also enables moisture to penetrate from the lower liquid space to the upper growing space maintaining high humidity in the upper growing space between the spraying intervals of growing liquid.

In one embodiment, discharging excessive growing liquid from the upper growing space comprises draining the excessive growing liquid through the partitioning wall. The partitioning wall is made of liquid impermeable plate material or liquid impermeable fabric material and provided with flow openings allowing excessive growing liquid flow through the partitioning wall from the upper growing space to the lower liquid space. Thus, the excessive growing liquid is discharged in controlled manner via the flow openings from the upper growing space to the lower liquid space.

In another embodiment, discharging excessive growing liquid from the upper growing space comprises draining the excessive growing liquid via a flow connection provided or extending between the upper growing space and the lower liquid space allowing excessive growing liquid flow from the upper growing space to the lower liquid space. The flow connection may be provided inside or outside the growing chamber, and provided to transport growing liquid in controlled manner. The flow connection may comprise discharge channel for transporting the excessive growing liquid. The flow connection may also comprise discharge device such as a pump or the like arranged assist or carry out the discharging.

In one embodiment, the method also comprises adding new growing liquid to the system via a growing liquid inlet arrangement. During the aeroponic farming process the root part of the plant absorbs growing liquid which is sprayed to the rot part in the upper growing space. Therefore, new growing liquid needs to be added to the system for maintaining process as the growing liquid is circulated in the system.

In another embodiment, the method comprises adding new growing liquid to the lower liquid space via a growing liquid inlet arrangement or to the liquid reservoir in the lower liquid space of the growing chamber. In this embodiment, the new growing liquid is added directly to the lower liquid space of the growing chamber and spray nozzles and the circulation arrangement may be kept simple.

In a further embodiment, the method comprises adding new growing liquid to the system by supplying new growing liquid to the one or more growing liquid nozzles via a growing liquid inlet arrangement. Thus, the new growing liquid is added directly to the growing liquid nozzles and it sprayed to the upper growing space. Thus, no separate inlet for the new growing liquid is needed.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises measuring surface level of the growing liquid in the lower liquid space and adding new growing liquid based on the surface level measurement. Accordingly, the addition of the new growing liquid into the system is carried out based on the measurement amount of growing liquid in the system and in the lower liquid space or growing liquid reservoir.

In one embodiment, spraying of the growing liquid in the upper growing space is carried out intermittently.

In another embodiment, spraying of the growing liquid in the upper growing space is carried out intermittently at predetermined intervals and a predetermined time in each interval.

Accordingly, the spraying is carried such that the necessary amount of growing liquid or nutrients is provided to the root part of the plant.

In one embodiment, the method comprises: a) growing stage, the growing stage comprising:

- illuminating the aerial shoot of the plant a first predetermined illuminating period in a day with the one or more growing lamp,

- providing a first predetermined concentration of nitrogen in the growing liquid, and

- spraying the growing liquid having the first predetermined concentration of nitrogen in the upper growing space to the root part of the plant intermittently at first predetermined intervals for spraying a first amount of the growing liquid to the root part of the plant in a day; and b) a production stage, the production stage comprising:

- illuminating the aerial shoot of the plant a second predetermined illuminating period in a day with one or more growing lamp, the second illuminating period being shorter than the first predetermined illuminating period;

- providing a second predetermined concentration of nitrogen in the growing liquid, the second predetermined concentration being less than the first predetermined nitrogen concentration, and

- spraying the growing liquid having the second predetermined concentration of nitrogen in the upper growing space to the root part of the plant intermittently at second predetermined intervals for spraying a second amount of the growing liquid to the root part of the plant in a day, the second amount of growing liquid being less than the first amount of growing liquid.

Accordingly, method comprises two different stages for growing and producing tuber or root vegetables. Composition of the growing liquid, illuminating the aerial shoots, spraying of the growing liquid and thus circulating the growing liquid in the system are altered between the two successive stages for producing tubers or root vegetables.

An advantage of the invention is that it enables achieving the benefits of both hydroponic and aeroponic farming. Furthermore, efficient utilization of growing liquid is achieved. Further, environment for the root part, tubers and root vegetables may be provided such that the root part, tubers and root vegetables are not deteriorated during farming process due to artificial farming conditions, but the growing may be well controlled and enhanced and reliable production of tubers and root vegetables is achieved. Partitioning the chamber space inside the growing space of the growing chamber enables keeping the humidity in the upper growing space, where the root part of the plant is placed, under 100% while at the same time growing liquid may be stored to the lower liquid space inside the same growing chamber.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is described in detail by means of specific embodiments with reference to the enclosed drawings, in which

Figure 1 shows schematically an aeroponic growing system according one embodiment to the present invention;

Figure 2 shows schematically a side view of the aeroponic growing system of figure 1;

Figure 3 shows schematically an end view of the aeroponic growing system of figure 1;

Figures 4A and 4B show schematically an upper support structure of an aeroponic farming system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 5A and 5B show schematically a plant support base of an aeroponic farming system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6A shows schematically a growing chamber of an aeroponic farming system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6B shows schematically a partitioning wall of a growing chamber of an aeroponic farming system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 7A and 7B show schematically different embodiments of a plant support base of an aeroponic faming system; and

Figures 8, 9A, 9B, 10A, 10B, 11A and 11 B show different embodiments of the growing chamber and growing liquid arranged of an aeroponic farming system according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1 shows schematically one embodiment of an aeroponic farming system 2. The aeroponic farming system 2 comprises a plant support base 4 to which plants 50 are supported. The aeroponic farming system 2 further comprises an upper plant support 8, 10 provided above, or on a first side, of the plant support base 4. The aeroponic farming system 2 further comprises growing chamber 6 provided under, or on a second side, of the plant support base 4.

The plant support base 4 comprises a plant support surface and may be provided as plant support plane or plant support plate or plant support layer.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, the plant support base 4 is arranged substantially horizontally. The upper plant support 8, 10 is provided in vertical direction above the plant support base 4. The growing chamber 6 is provided in vertical direction under the plant support base 4.

It should be noted, that in alternative embodiments the plant support base 4 may be arranged in angle to the horizontal direction or inclined or even in vertical direction. Therefore, the upper plant support 8, 10 is provided on the first side of the plant support base 4 and the growing chamber 6 is provided on the second side of the plant support base 4.

The upper plant support 8, 10 and the growing chamber 6 are arranged on opposite sides the plant support base.

Figure 2 shows schematically a front view of the aeroponic farming system 2 of figure 2, plants 50 supported to the aeroponic farming system 2 and the structure of the growing chamber 6 inside the growing chamber 6.

The plant 50 comprise an aerial shoot 52, or stem. The aerial shoot 52 means upper part of the plant 50 growing on or above ground and receiving light in natural growing environment. The plant 50 further comprises a root part 54, or roots. The root part 54 means lower part of the plant growing underground and not receiving light in natural growing environment. Accordingly, the root part 54 is growing in the soil of the ground and the aerial shoot 52 extends from the ground.

As shown in figure 2, the root part of the plant comprises tubers 56 which may be potatoes, yams, sweet potatoes or the like. Further, the plant 50 may be root vegetable plants and the root part 54 may be formed as a root vegetable.

The aeroponic farming system 2 or method for aeroponic farming according to the present invention are most suitable for tuber plants and root vegetable plants. However, the aeroponic farming system 2 and method may also be used for farming any other plants having the root part 54 and the aerial shoot 52.

The plant support base 4 comprises one or more support openings or receptacles providing a through-hole through plant support base 4. The support openings extend through the plant support base from the first side to the second side of the plant support base 4.

The plant support base 4 is arranged to support the plant 50 such that the plant extends through the plant support base 4 via the support opening 40 and such that the aerial shoot 52 is arranged on the first side of the plant support base 4 and the root part 54 is arranged on a second side the plant support base. Thus, in figure 2, the aerial shoot 52 extends from the plant support base 4 above the plant support base 4 and the root part 54 extends from the plant support base 4 under the plant support base 4.

The upper plant support 7, 8, 10 is provided on the first upper side of the plant support base 4 for supporting the aerial shoot 52 of the plant 50. Accordingly, the upper plant support 7, 8, 10 comprises support members 7, 8, 10 arranged to support aerial shoot 52 of the plant 50.

In the embodiments of figures, the upper plant support 7, 8, 10 is connected, attached or supported to the aeroponic farming system 2 or the plant support base 4 or the growing chamber 6. Accordingly, the upper plant support 7, 8, 10 is integral part of the aeroponic farming system 2.

In alternatively embodiments, the upper plant support 7, 8, 10 is a separate structure which is provided separate from the plant support base 4 and the growing chamber 6 and separate from other structures of the aeroponic farming system 2. The separate upper support 7, 8, 10 is in some embodiments surrounding the plant support base 4 and/or the growing chamber 6. Thus, the upper plant support 7, 8, 10 is supported and extending from or standing on a floor or ground. Alternatively, the upper plant support 7, 8, 10 is arranged above the plant support base 4 and/or the growing chamber. Thus, the upper plant support 7, 8, 10 is attached or supported to a ceiling or other structures of building or room (not shown).

The aerial shoot 52 of the plant 50 extends from the plant support base 4 and is arranged to an aerial growing space or aerial growing environment 24. Properties of the aerial growing space 24 may be controlled during aeroponic farming. In the embodiments of the figures, the upper plant support and the aerial growing space 24 are formed as open structures. Accordingly, light, humidity and gases may enter the aerial growing space 24 from the surroundings of the aeroponic farming system 2. In alternative embodiments, the upper plant support 7, 8, 10 is provided as upper chamber or is arranged to form the upper chamber (not shown). The upper chamber provides a closed upper chamber having closed aerial growing space 24 into which the aerial shoot 52 of the plant extends from the plant support base 4. The plant support base 4 forms one wall, for example a bottom wall, of the upper chamber. The aerial shoot 52 grows inside the closed upper space 24.

The growing chamber 6 is provided under the plant support base 4, or on the second side of the plant support base 4. The growing chamber 6 comprises growing chamber walls 12, 13 forming a closed growing chamber. The growing chamber 6 further comprises growing chamber door 3, as shown in figure 1. The growing chamber door 3 maybe arranged in closed position and open position. In the closed position of the growing chamber door 3, the growing chamber 6 forms a closed chamber space inside the growing chamber 6. In the open position of the growing chamber door 3, the inner growing chamber space is accessible via opening of the growing chamber door 3.

The plant support base 4 forms the growing chamber top wall or at least part of the growing chamber top wall. Thus, the root part 54 of the plant 50 extends from the plant support base 4 and the support opening thereof into the closed growing chamber 6, as shown in figure 2.

The growing chamber 6 is provided and arranged directly below or adjacent the plant support base 4.

The growing chamber walls 12, 13, 4 define a closed chamber space inside the growing chamber 6. The growing chamber walls 12, 13, 4 are further made of non-transparent material or they comprise a layer of non-transparent material. Accordingly, the growing chamber walls 12, 13 4 provide a dark atmosphere inside the growing chamber 6 such that light cannot enter inside growing chamber 6 from surroundings of the aeroponic farming system 2. Thus, the growing chamber walls 12, 13, 4 are non-transparent.

The growing chamber 6 and the growing chamber walls 12, 13, 4 may be formed from any suitable material. Preferably, the growing chamber is made of waterproof material or comprises a waterproof layer and/or light barrier layer or some other suitable material layers. In one embodiment, the growing chamber 6 and the growing chamber walls 12, 13, 4 are at least partly made of microfiber cellulose material, biocomposite material or some other composite material or biodegradable material. Biocomposite materials are composite material formed by a matrix (resin) and a reinforcement of natural fibers. Microfibre cellulose materials comprise nanostructured cellulose comprising nanosized cellulose fibrils. Typical fibril widths are 5-20 nanometers with a wide range of lengths, typically several micrometers.

The growing chamber 6 may be a moulded element such that the side walls 12, bottom wall 13 and possibly also the plant support base 4 form one integral element.

The growing chamber 6 is provided with thermal insulation 14 for insulating the inner space of the growing chamber 6 thermally from the surroundings of the aeroponic farming system 2.

In the embodiment of figure 2, the thermal insulation 14 is provided to the growing chamber walls 12, 13, 4. The thermal insulation 14 may be a characteristic of the material of the growing chamber walls 12, 13, 4. Thus, the thermal insulation is integral part of the growing chamber walls 12, 13, 4.

Alternatively, the thermal insulation or thermal insulation layer 14 is provided to the growing chamber walls 12, 13, 4. In one embodiment, the thermal insulation 14 is a separate insulation layer provided on the inner surface or outer surface or inside the growing chamber walls 12, 13, 4. In another embodiment, the thermal insulation 14 or thermal insulation layer is provided inside the growing chamber walls 12, 13, 4 between the inner surface and outer surface of the growing chamber walls 12, 13, 4.

As shown in figure 2, the growing chamber 6 and the growing chamber walls 12, 13, 4 define a closed growing chamber space inside the growing chamber 6. The growing chamber further comprises a partitioning wall 16 arranged inside the growing chamber 6. The partitioning wall 16 is arranged to divide the closed growing chamber space into an upper growing space 20 and a lower liquid space 21. The partitioning wall 16 is arranged between the plant support base 4 and the bottom wall 13 of the growing chamber 6 such that the partitioning wall 16 divides the growing chamber space to the upper growing space 20 and the lower liquid space in the direction between the plant support base 4 and the bottom wall 13 of the growing chamber 6.

The partitioning wall 16 extends between the side walls 12 of the growing chamber 6. The partitioning wall 16 is preferably supported or connected to side walls 12.

In the embodiment of figure 2, the partitioning wall 16 extends in horizontal direction. Further, the partitioning wall 16 extends parallel to the plant support base 4.

Accordingly, the upper growing space 20 is provided between the plant support base 4 and the partitioning wall 16 for enclosing the root part 54 for of the plant 50.

The lower liquid space 21 is provided between the partitioning sheet 16 and a bottom wall 13 of the growing chamber 6 for retaining growing liquid 22.

The side walls 12 and the bottom wall 13 or the growing chamber walls 12, 13, 4 are made of waterproof or liquid proof material such that the growing chamber 6 forms a container for storing or retaining growing liquid 22. Growing liquid is further sprayed to the root part 54 of the plant 50. In the present invention, the lower liquid space 21 is arranged to retain or store growing liquid 22. Thus, growing liquid 22 is stored inside the growing chamber 6 below the partitioning wall 16 and in the lower liquid space 21 between the partitioning wall 16 and the bottom wall 13 of the growing chamber 6.

Accordingly, the side walls 12 are made or provided waterproof at least on the area or height between the bottom wall 13 and the partitioning wall 16. The bottom wall 13 is made waterproof. Waterproof is provided by a separate waterproof barrier or layer or it is a property of the material of the side walls 12 and the bottom wall 13.

Figure 3 shows schematically a side end view of the aeroponic farming system 2 of figure 2.

In the embodiment of figures 2 and 3, the upper plant support comprises vertical support elements 7, 8, 9 and horizontal support elements 10, 11 for supporting the aerial shoot 52 of the plant 50. The aerial shoot 52 may be attached or connected to the upper plant support for supporting and keeping the aerial shoot 52 in upright position. As the root part 54 is not in soil or ground, the root part cannot provide necessary support for the aerial shoot 52.

It should be noted that the upper plant support may be implemented in various ways for supporting the aerial shoot 52. Thus, the present invention is not restricted to any special configuration of upper plant support.

Figure 4A shows schematically a front side view of the upper plant support 7, 8, 10 or aerial growing space 24 according to one embodiment of the aeroponic farming system 2.

The aerial growing space 24 is provided with one or more irrigation nozzles 75 having nozzle head 76 for spraying irrigation liquid, such as water, to the aerial shoot 52 of the plant 50 on the aerial growing space 24. The irrigation nozzles 75 are connected to irrigation liquid source (not shown). The irrigation liquid source may be an irrigation liquid container or community water system.

The irrigation nozzles 75 or the nozzle heads 76 thereof are arranged to spray irrigation liquid in horizontal direction, vertical direction, in an angle to the vertical and horizontal direction or in horizontal and vertical directions. The irrigation nozzles are arranged to atomize the irrigation liquid into droplets.

The irrigation nozzles 75 may be attached or supported to the upper plant support 7, 8, 10. Alternatively, the irrigation nozzles 75 are separately supported or supported to the structures of a building or a room. Further alternatively, the irrigation nozzles 75 may be attached or supported to the plant support base 4.

The aerial growing space is further provided with one or more humidity sensors 62 arranged to measure humidity in the aerial growing space 24. The humidity sensor 62 may be any know humidity sensor. The humidity sensor 62 is preferably connected directly or indirectly to the irrigation nozzles 75 for controlling and adjusting the irrigation nozzles 75 spraying of irrigation liquid based on the measurements with the humidity sensor 62. Thus, the measurements with the humidity sensor 62 is utilized for adjusting operation of the irrigation nozzles 75.

The humidity sensor 62 may be attached or supported to the upper plant support 7, 8, 10. Alternatively, the humidity sensor 62 is separately supported or supported to the structures of a building or a room. Further alternatively, the humidity sensor 62 may be attached or supported to the plant support base 4.

The upper support structure or the aerial growing space 24 is further provided with illuminators or lamps or light sources 32, 34 arranged to subject the aerial shoots 52 to light.

The aerial growing space 24 may comprise first light sources 32 arranged above the aerial shoots 52 and arranged to direct light downwards towards the aerial shoots 52 and the plant support base 4 from above. The aerial growing space 24 may further comprise second light sources 34 arranged to direct light in horizontal direction towards the aerial shoots 52. The light sources 32, 34 are arranged such that the aerial shoots 52 are illuminated from all directions. The aerial growing space 24 may also be provided with reflectors (not shown) for reflecting light from the light sources 32, 34 such that the aerial shoots are illuminated form all directions.

The light sources may be LEDs (light emitting diode), gas discharge lamps, such sodium vapor lamps, or the like.

The light sources 32, 34 may be attached or supported to the upper plant support 7, 8, 10. Alternatively, the light sources 32, 34 are separately supported or supported to the structures of a building or a room. Further alternatively, the light sources 32, 34 may be attached or supported to the plant support base 4.

The aerial growing space 24 is further provided with one or more light sensors 60 arranged to measure light in the aerial growing space 24. The light sensor 60 may be photosensor or photodetector arranged to measure photons. The light sensor 60 is preferably connected directly or indirectly to the light sources 32, 34 for controlling and adjusting the light sources 32, 34 based on the measurements with the light sensor 60. Thus, the measurements with the light sensor 60 is utilized for adjusting operation of the light sources 32, 34.

The light sensor 60 may be attached or supported to the upper plant support 7, 8, 10. Alternatively, the light sensor 60 is separately supported or supported to the structures of a building or a room. Further alternatively, the light sensor 60 may be attached or supported to the plant support base 4.

The aerial growing space 24 is further provided with one or more temperature sensors 61 arranged to measure temperature in the aerial growing space 24. The temperature sensor 61 may be attached or supported to the upper plant support 7, 8, 10. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 61 is separately supported or supported to the structures of a building or a room. Further alternatively, the temperature sensor 61 may be attached or supported to the plant support base 4.

The aerial growing space 24 is further provided with one or more cameras 63 arranged to record or photo or video record the aerial shoot 52 of the plant 50. The photo or video recordings or images may further be used for analysing the condition of the plant 50. The camera 63 may be attached or supported to the upper plant support 7, 8, 10. Alternatively, the camera 63 is separately supported or supported to the structures of a building or a room. Further alternatively, the camera 63 may be attached or supported to the plant support base 4.

In the embodiment of figures 4A and 4B, the upper plant support comprises vertical support elements 5, 7, 8, 9 and horizontal support elements 10, 11, 15, 17, 30, 35. The sensors 60, 61, 62 and camera 63, light sources 32, 34 and the irrigation nozzles 75 or at least some of them are supported to the upper plant support.

As shown in figure 4B, the upper plant support is provided with a support gird 35 comprising support grid holes 36. The support grid 35 is attached to the vertical and/or horizontal support elements 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 17 or other support elements of the upper plant support. The aerial shoot 52 of the plant 50 is supported to the support grid 35 such that the aerial shoot 52 is arranged into the support grid hole 36 or through the support grid hole 36, as shown in figure 4B. Thus, the support grid 35 supports the aerial shoot 52 and the surrounds the aerial shoot 52.

The support grid 35 preferably extends parallel to the plant support base 4 or the top surface of the plant support base 4.

The support grid 35 is arranged in the aerial growing space 24 above or on the first side of the support base 4. The support grid 35 is further arranged at a distance from the plant support base 4.

The support grid 35 may be made of any suitable material such that it provides necessary rigidity for supporting the aerial shoot 52.

Figure 5A shows schematically a top view one embodiment of the plant support base 4. The plant support base 4 is a plane or plate like element and forms the top wall of the growing chamber 6.

Accordingly, the plant support base 4 is made of non-transparent material for preventing light from entering the growing chamber 6. Further, the plant support base 4 is preferably made of waterproof material for preventing moisture escaping through the plant support base 4 from the growing chamber 6 and moisture from entering the growing chamber 6 through the plant support base 4.

As shown in figure 5B, the plant support base 4 comprises one or more support opening 40 arranged to support the plant 50. The plant is placed through the support opening 40 such that the plant extends through the plant support base 4 via the support opening 40 and such that the aerial shoot 52 is arranged on the first side of the plant support base 4 to the aerial growing space 24 and the root part 54 is arranged on the second side the plant support base 4 inside the growing chamber 6. The support opening 40 extends through the plant support base 4, from the first side to the second side of the plant support base 4.

The support opening is further provided with a support sleeve 41 arranged into the support hole 40 between the aerial shoot 52 of the plant 50 and the inner surface 43 of the support hole 40, as shown in figure 5B. The support sleeve 41 comprises or provides a sleeve opening 42 through which the plant 50 is placed.

The outer surface 44 of the support sleeve 41 is placed against the inner surface 41 of the support hole 40. The plant 50 or the aerial shoot 52 is placed against the inner surface 45 of the support sleeve 41 defining the sleeve opening 42. The support sleeve 41 is made of resilient material such as foam rubber or foam plastic or the like resilient material. The resilient characteristic of the support sleeve 41 enables the support sleeve 41 to be compressed when the plant 50 grows without harming the plant 50. Further, the resilient characteristic enables the support sleeve 41 to be tightly pressed and sealed against the inner surface 43 of the support hole 40 and against the aerial shoot 52 of the plant such that light is prevented from entering the growing chamber 6 via the support hole 40.

The support sleeve 41 is provided with a slit 46 extending along the support sleeve 41 in a direction of the sleeve opening 42. Thus, the slit 46 provides a cut to the periphery of the support sleeve 41. The slit 46 facilitates arranging the support sleeve 41 over the plant 50. Alternatively, the slit 46 may be omitted.

Further, the support sleeve 41 may be omitted and a separate and detachable plant holder (not shown) may be installed to the support hole 40. The plant 50 is installed to the plant holder such that the aerial shoot 52 is arranged on the first side of the plant support base 4 in the aerial growing space 24 and the root part 54 is arranged on the second side the plant support base 4 in the growing chamber 6.

Figure 6A shows schematically one embodiment of the growing chamber 6. The growing chamber 6 comprise the bottom wall 13, the top wall 4 and side walls 12 extending between the bottom wall 13 and the top wall 4. The top wall 4 is provided as the plant support base 4 or at least part of it. Accordingly, the plant support base 4 forms the top wall of the growing chamber 6 or the plant support base 4 forms at least part of the top wall of the growing chamber 6.

The growing chamber 6 is provided with one or more growing liquid nozzles 70, 71. The growing liquid nozzles 70, 71 are arranged to spray growing liquid to the upper growing space 20 of the growing chamber 6 to the root part 54 of the pant 50. The growing liquid nozzles 70, 71 are arranged to atomize and spray atomized growing liquid to the upper growing space 20. The growing liquid nozzles 70, 71 may be any kind of known spray nozzles.

The growing liquid nozzle 70 comprises a nozzle head 71 from which the growing liquid is discharged out of the growing liquid nozzle 70. The growing liquid nozzle 70 or the nozzle head 71 thereof is arranged to spray growing liquid in horizontal direction and/or parallel to the plant support base 4, as shown in figure 6A. However, in some embodiment, the growing liquid nozzles 70 or the nozzle heads 71 thereof are arranged to spray growing liquid in vertical direction upwards or downwards or transversely or perpendicularly to the plant support base 4, as shown in figure 9A. Further alternatively, the growing liquid nozzles 70 or the nozzle heads 71 thereof may be arranged to spray growing liquid in an angle between vertical and horizontal direction.

The growing liquid nozzles 70, 71 are supported to the top wall or the plant support base 4. Thus, the growing liquid nozzles 70, 71 are supported to the structures of the growing chamber 6.

In the embodiment of the figures, the one or more growing liquid nozzles 70, 71 are arranged or placed to the upper growing space 20 and arranged to spray growing liquid to the upper growing space 20 of the growing chamber 6.

In an alternative embodiment, the one or more growing liquid nozzles

70 may be arranged outside the upper growing space 20 such that the nozzle head

71 opens into the upper growing space 20 and/or is arranged to spray growing liquid to the upper growing space 20 of the growing chamber 6. Thus, the growing liquid nozzle 70 may be arranged at least partly to the lower liquid space 21 or embedded to side wall 12 or the top wall 4 of the growing chamber 6.

The growing chamber 6 comprises a first chamber temperature sensor 64 arranged to the upper growing space 20 and arranged to measure temperature in the upper growing space 20.

The growing chamber 6 is further provided with a second chamber temperature sensor 65 provided to the lower liquid space 21 and arranged to measure temperature of the growing liquid 22 in the lower liquid space 21.

The first and second chamber temperature sensors 64, 65 may be attached or supported to the growing chamber walls 12, 13, 4.

The first and second chamber temperature sensors 64, 65 may be any known kind of temperature sensors.

The growing chamber 6 is further provided with a chamber humidity sensor 66 arranged to measure humidity in upper growing space 20. The chamber humidity sensor 66 may be any know kind of humidity sensor. The chamber humidity sensor 66 is preferably connected directly or indirectly to the growing liquid nozzles 70 for controlling and adjusting the growing liquid nozzles 70 and spraying of growing liquid based on the measurements with the chamber humidity sensor 66. Thus, the measurements with the chamber humidity sensor 66 is utilized for adjusting operation of the growing liquid nozzles 70.

The chamber humidity sensor 66 is arranged to the upper growing space 20 or arranged to measure humidity in the upper growing space 20. The chamber humidity sensor 66 may be attached or supported to the attached or supported to the growing chamber walls 12, 13, 4.

The growing chamber 6 is provided with a surface lever sensor 67 arranged to measure the surface level of the growing liquid 22 in the lower liquid space 21, as shown in figure 6A. The surface level sensor 67 is arranged to the lower liquid space 21 or arranged to measure growing liquid level in the lower liquid space 21. The surface level sensor 67 may be any known surface level sensor.

The inner growing chamber space is divided to the upper growing space

20 and the lower liquid space 21 with the partitioning wall 16, as shown in figure 6A.

Figure 6B shows one embodiment of the partitioning wall 16. The partitioning wall 16 is a grid sheet, net sheet or fabric sheet comprising pores, holes or meshes 19 extending through the partitioning wall 16 in thickness direction. Accordingly, the partitioning wall is made of liquid and gas permeable material or with liquid or gas permeable structure. Accordingly, the partitioning wall 16 comprises a structure or is made of material allowing excessive growing liquid 22 flowthrough the partitioning wall 16 from the upper growing space 20 to the lower liquid space 21. Accordingly, the excessive growing liquid may be collected to the lower liquid space 21 and the root part 54 may be prevented from being in contact with excessive growing liquid. Further, the humidity in the upper growing space

21 may be kept under 100%.

Figures 7A and 7B show schematically placement of the growing liquid nozzles 70 in relation to the support openings 40 in the plant support base 4. The growing liquid nozzles 70 are arranged in horizontal direction or in the direction of the plant support base 4 between the support openings 40 in the growing chamber 6. In preferred embodiment, growing liquid nozzles 70 are arranged in horizontal direction or in the direction of the plant support base 4 between adjacent support openings 40 or between every adjacent support opening 40 in the growing chamber 6.

Figure 8 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The growing chamber 6 and the lower liquid space 21 is provided with a separate growing liquid reservoir 200 arranged below the partitioning wall 16. The separate growing liquid reservoir 200 is arranged to store the excessive growing liquid 22 flowing from the upper growing space 20. The separate growing liquid reservoir 200 is made of waterproof material for keeping the growing liquid 22 inside. The separate growing liquid reservoir 200 may have an open top wall enabling the excessive growing liquid to enter from the upper growing space 20.

The second chamber temperature sensor 65 is arranged to the separate growing liquid reservoir 200 for measuring the temperature of the growing liquid 22 inside the separate growing liquid reservoir 200.

The surface level sensor 67 is also arranged to the separate growing liquid reservoir 200 for measuring surface level or amount of the growing liquid 22 inside the separate growing liquid reservoir 200.

In the embodiment of figure 8, the partitioning wall 16 is made of liquid impermeable plate material or liquid impermeable fabric material and provided with one or more flow openings 99 allowing excessive growing liquid 22 flow through the partitioning wall 16 from the upper growing space 20 to the lower liquid space 21. The flow openings 99 and the separate growing liquid reservoir 200 are arranged aligned or opposite to each other such that the excessive growing liquid may fall or flow from the flow opening 99 into the separate growing liquid reservoir 200.

The growing liquid nozzles 70 are arranged or supported to the side walls 12 of the growing chamber 6 in the upper growing space 20. Further, the growing liquid nozzles 70 are arranged to spray growing liquid in horizontal direction or parallel to the plant support base 4.

Figure 9A shows an alternative embodiment, in which the aeroponic farming system 2 or the growing chamber 6 is provided with a growing liquid inlet arrangement 90 arranged to supply growing liquid 22 into the growing chamber 6. In this embodiment, the growing liquid inlet arrangement 90 is connected to the growing chamber 6 and arranged to the supply growing liquid to the lower liquid space 21 of the growing chamber 6. Thus, the growing liquid inlet arrangement 90 is connected to the lower liquid space 21 or to the separate growing liquid reservoir 200. Therefore, new growing liquid may be added to the aeroponic farming system 2 by supplying growing liquid to the lower liquid space 21 or to the separate growing liquid reservoir 200.

The aeroponic farming system 2 or the growing chamber 6 is provided with a growing liquid outlet arrangement 91 arranged to discharge growing liquid 22 from the growing chamber 6. The growing liquid outlet arrangement 91 is provided to the lower liquid space 21 of the growing chamber 6. Thus, the growing liquid outlet arrangement 91 is provided to the lower liquid space 21 or to the separate growing liquid reservoir 200. Therefore, growing liquid may be discharged from the aeroponic farming system 2 by discharging growing liquid from the lower liquid space 21 or from the separate growing liquid reservoir 200.

In the present invention, the system 2 comprises a liquid circulation arrangement arranged to supply growing liquid 22 from the lower liquid space 21 or the growing liquid reservoir 200 to one or more of the growing liquid nozzles 70. Thus, the liquid circulation arrangement is arranged to supply growing liquid 22 from the lower liquid space 21 or the growing liquid reservoir 200 to upper growing space 20 by utilizing the one or more of the growing liquid nozzles 70.

Figure 9A shows one embodiment of the liquid circulation arrangement 80, 81. The liquid circulation arrangement comprises a circulation pump 80 arranged to the lower liquid space 21 or to the separate growing liquid reservoir 200 and arranged to pump and supply growing liquid 22 from the lower liquid space 21 or the separate growing liquid reservoir 200 to the growing liquid nozzles 70 via a circulation channel 81. The circulation channel 81 is connected between the circulation pump 80 and the one or more growing liquid nozzles 70. The growing liquid nozzles 70 are arranged into the upper growing space 20.

Furthermore, in the embodiment of figure 9A, the liquid circulation arrangement 80, 81, the circulation pump 80 and the circulation channel 81 is arranged inside the growing chamber 6.

In the present invention, the system 2 comprises thermal adjustment device 100 arranged to adjust the temperature of the growing liquid 22 in the system 2. The thermal adjustment device 100 may be a heat exchanger, heating device, cooling device or combined heating and cooling device implemented as any known type of device for controlling temperature of liquid material. The thermal adjustment device 100 may comprise heater, such as electric heater or liquid heater, and/or cooler, such as electric cooler or liquid cooler. The thermal adjustment device 100 may comprise a heat exchanger arranged exchange temperature between the growing liquid 22 in the system 2 and a working fluid. Adjusting the temperature of the working fluid, liquid or gas, or flow rate of the growing liquid 22 and/or the working fluid in the heat exchanger 100, the temperature of the growing liquid may be adjusted. The thermal adjustment device 100 may also be a heat transfer element or themoelement.

The thermal adjustment device 100 may be connected to a power source 110 for adjusting the operation and/or temperature of the growing liquid. The power source 110 may be electric power source for operating the electric heater or cooler, or a liquid power source for providing heated or cooled working fluid to the heat exchanger 100.

Accordingly, the thermal adjustment device 100 may be any known kind of device or element arranged to adjust temperature of the growing liquid in the system 2.

The thermal adjustment device 100 may be arranged to heat the growing liquid in the system 2 or in the lower liquid space 21 or in the separate growing liquid reservoir 200. Thus, the thermal adjustment device 100 may be heater arranged to heat the growing liquid 22 in the system 2. Alternatively, the thermal adjustment device 100 may be arranged to cool the growing liquid in the system 2 or in the lower liquid space 21 or in the separate growing liquid reservoir 200. Thus, the thermal adjustment device 100 may be cooler arranged to cool the growing liquid 22 in the system 2. Further alternatively, the thermal adjustment device 100 may be arranged to heat and cool the growing liquid in the system 2 or in the lower liquid space 21 or in the separate growing liquid reservoir 200. Thus, the thermal adjustment device 100 may be or comprise a heater and cooler, heat transfer element or a heat exchanger arranged to heat and cool the growing liquid 22 in the system 2.

It should be noted, that the system may also comprise two thermal adjustment devices 100. A first thermal adjustment device 100 is a heater arranged to heat arranged to heat the growing liquid in the system 2 or in the lower liquid space 21 or in the separate growing liquid reservoir 200. A second thermal adjustment device 100 arranged to heat the growing liquid in the system 2 or in the lower liquid space 21 or in the separate growing liquid reservoir 200.

Further it should be noted, that the thermal adjustment device or devices 100 may be provided to the lower liquid space 21 or to the growing liquid reservoir for adjusting the temperature of the growing liquid 22 in the lower liquid space 22.

Alternatively, the thermal adjustment device or devices 100 may be provided to or in connection with the circulation arrangement 80, 81 or in connection thereof for adjusting the temperature of the growing liquid 22 to the sprayed by the growing liquid nozzles 70. Thus, the thermal adjustment device or devices 100 may be provided to or in connection with the circulation pump 80 or the circulation channel 81.

Further alternatively, the thermal adjustment device or devices 100 may be provided to or in connection with the growing liquid nozzle(s) 70 for adjusting the temperature of the growing liquid 22 to the sprayed by the growing liquid nozzles 70.

The thermal adjustment device or devices 100 are arranged to adjust the temperature of the growing liquid 22 in the system 2. Accordingly, the temperature inside the growing chamber 6 and thus in the upper growing space 20 is controlled by controlling the temperature of the growing liquid 22. This enables efficient and simple temperature control in the system 2 and in the growing chamber 6. Further, the growing liquid 22 inside the growing chamber 6 provides temperature balancing effect decreasing temperature variations inside the growing chamber 6 and in the upper growing space 20 in the which the root part 54 of the plant 50 is.

In the embodiment of figure 9A, the liquid circulation arrangement 80, 81 is arranged inside the growing chamber 6. Accordingly, the circulation pump 80 is arranged to the lower liquid space 21. The growing liquid nozzles 70 are also arranged inside the growing chamber 6 to the upper growing space 20. The circulation channel 81 extends inside the growing chamber 6 from the lower liquid space 21 to the upper growing space 20. The circulation channel 81 further extends inside the growing chamber 6 between the circulation pump 80 and the growing liquid nozzles 70.

In the embodiment of figure 9A, the thermal adjustment device or devices 100 are arranged inside the growing chamber 6 and to or in connection with the lower liquid space 21 for adjusting the temperature of the growing liquid 22 in the lower liquid space 21.

In the embodiment of figure 9A, the partitioning wall 16 is made of liquid permeable material or comprises a liquid permeable structure, such as mesh, net or grid.

Figure 9B shows an alternative embodiment. In this embodiment, the liquid circulation arrangement 80, 81 is arranged outside or is arranged to extend outside the growing chamber 6. As shown in figure 9B, the circulation pump 80 is arranged outside the growing chamber 6. The system 2 and the growing chamber 6 is provided with a circulation outlet 82 extending from the growing chamber 6 to the circulation pump 80. The circulation outlet 82 is arranged between the lower liquid space 21 or the growing liquid reservoir and the circulation pump 80 for supplying growing liquid outside the growing chamber 6. The growing liquid nozzles 70 are arranged inside the growing chamber 6 to the upper growing space 20. The circulation channel 81 extends outside the growing chamber 6 from the circulation pump 80 to the upper growing space 20. The circulation channel 81 further extends outside the growing chamber 6 between the circulation pump 80 and the growing liquid nozzles 70.

The circulation channel 81 further extends through the growing chamber wall or the plant support base 4 and is connected to the growing liquid nozzles 70.

The thermal adjustment device or devices 100 are be provided to or in connection with the circulation arrangement 80, 81 and outside the growing chamber 6 for adjusting the temperature of the growing liquid 22 to the sprayed by the growing liquid nozzles 70. Further, the thermal adjustment device or devices 100 are provided to or in connection with the circulation channel 81, as shown in figure 9B.

In the embodiment of figure 9B, the partitioning wall 16 is made of liquid impermeable plate or liquid impermeable fabric material. The partitioning wall 16 is provided with a flow opening 99 open to the lower liquid space 21 and extending between the upper growing space 20 and the lower liquid space 21. The partitioning wall 16 is further inclined relative to the horizontal direction such that the excessive growing liquid falling on the partitioning wall 16 in the upper growing space 20 flows via the flow opening 99 to the lower liquid space 21. The partitioning wall 16 is inclined relative to the horizontal direction towards the flow opening 99.

Accordingly, in this embodiment, the growing liquid is prevented from penetrating or flowing through partitioning wall 16 as it is made of and provided as liquid impermeable material and structure. Thus, the growing liquid flows to the lower liquid space 21 or the liquid reservoir 200 via the flow opening 99.

It should be noted, that the flow opening 99 may be replaced by a flow channel 99 open to the upper growing space 20 and to the lower liquid space 21.

Figure 10A shows a further embodiment, in which the liquid circulation arrangement 80, 81 is arranged inside the growing chamber 6. Accordingly, the circulation pump 80 is arranged to the lower liquid space 21. The growing liquid nozzles 70 are also arranged inside the growing chamber 6 to the upper growing space 20. The circulation channel 81 extends inside the growing chamber 6 from the lower liquid space 21 to the upper growing space 20. The circulation channel 81 further extends inside the growing chamber 6 between the circulation pump 80 and the growing liquid nozzles 70.

In the embodiment of figure 10A, the system 2 comprises a first thermal adjustment device 101 arranged inside the growing chamber 6 and to or in connection with the lower liquid space 21 for adjusting the temperature of the growing liquid 22 in the lower liquid space 21 or in the liquid reservoir 200. The first thermal adjustment device 101 is further connected to a first power source 111. The first thermal adjustment device 101 is provided as a heating device for heating the growing liquid 22 in the lower liquid space 21.

The system 2 further comprises a second thermal adjustment device 102 arranged inside the growing chamber 6. The second thermal adjustment device 102 is arranged to or in connection with the circulation pump 80 and arranged to adjust the temperature of the growing liquid when it is pumped or circulated from the lower liquid space 21 to the growing liquid nozzles 70 in the upper growing space 20.

In the embodiment of figure 10A, the first thermal adjustment device 101 is heating device and the second thermal adjustment device 102 is a cooling device.

In alternative embodiment, the first thermal adjustment device 101 is cooling device and the second thermal adjustment device 102 is a heating device.

In the embodiment of figure 10A, the growing liquid inlet arrangement 90 is arranged to supply growing liquid 22 into the growing chamber 6. In this embodiment, the growing liquid inlet arrangement 90 is connected to the growing chamber 6 and arranged to the supply growing liquid to the lower liquid space 21 of the growing chamber 6. Thus, the growing liquid inlet arrangement 90 is connected to the lower liquid space 21 or to the separate growing liquid reservoir 200. The growing liquid inlet arrangement comprises a growing liquid source or container 92 and pump 93 provided to the growing liquid inlet arrangement for adding new growing liquid to the aeroponic farming system 2 by supplying growing liquid to the lower liquid space 21 or to the separate growing liquid reservoir 200 from the growing liquid container 92.

The embodiment of figure 10A comprises a discharge connection 120 provided between the upper growing space 20 and the lower liquid space 21. The discharge connection 120 comprises discharge channel extending from the upper growing space 20 to the growing liquid inlet arrangement 90. Thus, the discharge connection 120 is arranged to supply excessive growing liquid from the upper growing space 20 to the growing liquid inlet arrangement 90 and further to the lower liquid space 21 or the separate growing liquid reservoir 200.

In this embodiment, the partitioning wall 16 is made of liquid impermeable plate or liquid impermeable fabric material. The discharge connection 120 is arranged to discharge excessive growing liquid from the upper surface of the partitioning wall 16 to the growing liquid inlet arrangement 90. The discharge channel 120 may extend outside the growing chamber 6, as shown in figure 10A. Alternatively, the discharge channel 120 may extend inside the growing chamber 6 and be connected to the inlet arrangement 90.

Figure 10B shows a further embodiment, in which the liquid circulation arrangement 80, 81 is arranged outside the growing chamber 6. The liquid circulation arrangement substantially corresponds the embodiment of figure 9B.

In the embodiment of figure 10B, the system 2 comprises a second thermal adjustment device 102 arranged inside the growing chamber 6. The second thermal adjustment device 102 corresponds the first thermal adjustment device 101 of figure 10A. The second thermal adjustment device 102 is connected to a second power source 112. The second thermal adjustment device 102 is provided as a cooling device for cooling the growing liquid 22 in the lower liquid space 21.

The system 2 further comprises a first thermal adjustment device 101 arranged outside the growing chamber 6. The first thermal adjustment device 101 is arranged to or in connection with the circulation pump 80 and arranged to adjust the temperature of the growing liquid when it is pumped or circulated from the lower liquid space 21 to the growing liquid nozzles 70 in the upper growing space 20.

In the embodiment of figure 10B, the first thermal adjustment device 101 is a heating device and the second thermal adjustment device 102 is a cooling device.

In alternative embodiment, the first thermal adjustment device 101 is a cooling device and the second thermal adjustment device 102 is a heating device.

Figure 10B shows a further alternative embodiment, the growing liquid inlet arrangement 90 is arranged to supply growing liquid 22 into the growing chamber 6. In this embodiment, the growing liquid inlet arrangement 90 is connected to the growing chamber 6 and arranged to the supply growing liquid to the lower liquid space 21 of the growing chamber 6. Thus, the growing liquid inlet arrangement 90 is connected to the lower liquid space 21 or to the separate growing liquid reservoir 200.

The growing liquid inlet arrangement comprises a water source or container 94 and a water pump 95 provided to the growing liquid inlet arrangement for adding new water to the aeroponic farming system 2 by supplying water to the lower liquid space 21 or to the separate growing liquid reservoir 200 from the water container 94. The growing liquid inlet arrangement further comprises a nutrient source or container 96 and a nutrient pump 97 provided to the growing liquid inlet arrangement for adding new nutrients to the aeroponic farming system 2 by supplying nutrients to the lower liquid space 21 or to the separate growing liquid reservoir 200 from the nutrient container 94.

Water container 94 and the nutrient container 96 are connected to the inlet channel 90 such that water and nutrients are supplied along the same inlet channel 90 to the growing chamber 6. Further, the water and the nutrient may be mixed in the inlet channel 90 during simultaneous supply. The water container may also be a connection to municipal water network.

In an alternative embodiment, the water container 94 and the nutrients container 96 may be connected to the growing chamber 6 with separate inlet channels, meaning water inlet channel and nutrients inlet channel, respectively.

The embodiment of figure 10B comprises a discharge connection 120 provided between the upper growing space 20 and the lower liquid space 21. The discharge connection 120 comprises discharge channel extending from the upper growing space 20 to the lower liquid space 21 or to the separate growing liquid reservoir. Thus, the discharge connection 120 is arranged to supply excessive growing liquid from the upper growing space 20 to the lower liquid space 21 or the separate growing liquid reservoir 200.

In this embodiment, the partitioning wall 16 is made of liquid impermeable plate or liquid impermeable fabric material. The discharge connection 120 is arranged to discharge excessive growing liquid from the upper surface of the partitioning wall 16 to the lower liquid space 21 or the separate growing liquid reservoir 200. The discharge connection 120 comprises a discharge channel 120 open to the upper growing space 20 and to the lower liquid space 21. The discharge channel 120 extends outside the growing chamber 6, as shown in figure 10B. Alternatively, the discharge channel 120 may extend inside the growing chamber 6 and from the upper growing space 20 to the lower liquid space 21.

Figure 11A shows another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the liquid circulation arrangement 80, 81 is arranged inside the growing chamber 6. The liquid circulation arrangement substantially corresponds the embodiment of figure 9A. Further, the growing liquid nozzles 70 are also provided inside the growing chamber 6 and inside the upper growing space 20.

In the embodiment of figure 11A, the system 2 comprises a third thermal adjustment device 140 arranged inside the growing chamber 6. The third thermal adjustment device 140 is arranged to adjust temperature inside the growing chamber 6.

As shown in figure 11A, the third thermal adjustment device 140 is arranged to or in connection with the upper growing space 20 and arranged to adjust the temperature in the upper growing space 20. The third thermal adjustment device 140 may be a heater or a cooler or a combined heater and cooler. Thus, the third thermal adjustment device 140 may comprise any known heater and/or cooler, for example a heat exchanger. The third thermal adjustment device 140 is connected to a power source 130 for operating the third thermal adjustment device 140.

In the embodiment of figure 11A the growing liquid inlet arrangement 90 is arranged to supply growing liquid 22 to the liquid circulation arrangement 80, 81. The inlet channel 90 of the inlet arrangement is connected to the circulation pump 80. Thus, new growing liquid is added to the system 2 by supplying growing liquid from the growing liquid container or source 92 via the inlet channel 90 to the circulation pump 80 and further via the circulation channel 81 to the growing liquid nozzles 70.

In the embodiment of figure 11A, the partitioning wall 16 is made of liquid permeable material or comprises a liquid permeable structure, such as mesh, net or grid. Thus, excessive growing liquid drops on the partitioning wall and flows through the partitioning wall 16 to the lower liquid space 21 to which it is collected to be circulated back to the growing liquid nozzles 70.

Figure 11B shows a further embodiment, in which the liquid circulation arrangement corresponds the liquid circulation arrangement of figures 9B and 10B. Thus, the circulation arrangement is provided outside the growing chamber 6.

In the embodiment of figure 11B, the growing liquid inlet arrangement 90 is arranged to supply growing liquid 22 to the liquid circulation arrangement 80, 81, 82. The inlet channel 90 of the inlet arrangement is connected to the circulation channel 81.

The growing liquid inlet arrangement of figure 11B comprises the water source or container 94 and a water pump 95 provided to the growing liquid inlet arrangement for adding new water to the aeroponic farming system 2 by supplying water to the circulation channel 90. The growing liquid inlet arrangement further comprises the nutrient source or container 96 and the nutrient pump 97 provided to the growing liquid inlet arrangement for adding new nutrients to the aeroponic farming system 2 by supplying nutrients to the circulation channel 81.

Water container 94 and the nutrient container 96 are connected to the inlet channel 90 such that water and nutrients are supplied along the same inlet channel 90 to the growing chamber 6. Further, the water and the nutrient may be mixed in the inlet channel 90 during simultaneous supply. The water container may also be a connection to municipal water network. The inlet channel 90 is further connected to the circulation channel 81.

In an alternative embodiment, the water container 94 and the nutrients container 96 may be connected to the circulation channel 81 with separate inlet channels, meaning water inlet channel and nutrients inlet channel, respectively.

Based on the above mentioned, it should be noted that different embodiments of figures 1 to 1 IB may combined in any possible suitable manner for implementing the present invention. Therefore, the growing chamber 6, the partitioning wall 16, discharge connection 99, 120, the upper growing space 20, the lower liquid space 21, the circulation arrangement 80, 81, 82, the liquid inlet arrangement 90, 92, 94, 95, 96, 97, the growing liquid nozzles 70 and the thermal adjustment devices 100, 110, 101, 111, 102, 112, 130, 140 disclosed above and in figurers 1 to 11B may be combined in any suitable manner for forming the aeroponic farming system 2 according to the present invention.

Furthermore, the aeroponic farming system 2 comprises a control unit (not shown), which may be computer, computation unit or device comprising at least one processor and a memory.

One or more of the following are connected to the control unit: temperature sensors 61, 64, 65, humidity sensors 62, 66, surface level sensors 67, cameras 63, 68, growing liquid nozzles 70, the irrigation nozzles 75, light sensors 60, circulation arrangement or circulation pump 80, growing liquid inlet arrangement or inlet pumps 93, 94, 96 and thermal adjustment devices 100, 101, 102 for controlling the aeroponic farming system 2 and operation and farming method.

The present invention further provides a method for aeroponic farming of tuber plants or root vegetable plants 50 having an aerial shoot 52 and underground root part 54 in an aeroponic farming system 2.

The aeroponic farming system 2 utilized in the method preferably corresponds the above in relation to figures 1 to 1 IB disclosed aeroponic farming system 2.

The method comprises spraying growing liquid 22 in the upper growing space 20 of the growing chamber 6 to the root part 54 of the plant 50. Excessive growing liquid 22 falls or drops down on the partitioning wall 16 dividing the growing space inside the growing chamber 6 to the upper growing space 20 and the lower liquid space 21.

The method comprises discharging the excessive growing liquid from the upper growing space 20 to the lower liquid space 21. The method further comprises collecting the excessive growing liquid 22 discharged from the upper growing space 20 to the lower liquid space 21.

Collecting the excessive growing liquid 22 to the lower liquid space 21 comprises also storing the excessive growing liquid to the lower liquid space 21 or the separate growing liquid reservoir 200 provided to the lower liquid space 21.

In one embodiment, the excessive growing liquid is discharged from the upper growing space 20 to the lower liquid space 21 through water or liquid permeable partitioning wall.

Accordingly, the method comprises discharging excessive growing liquid 22 from the upper growing space 20 comprises draining the excessive growing liquid 22 through the partitioning wall 16. The partitioning wall being made of liquid permeable fabric material, net material, or grid material allowing excessive growing liquid 22 flow through the partitioning wall 16 from the upper growing space 20 to the lower liquid space 21.

In an alternative embodiment of the method, the excessive growing liquid is discharged from the upper growing space 20 to the lower liquid space 21 via one or more flow openings 99 provided to the partitioning wall 16.

Therefore, the method comprises discharging excessive growing liquid 22 from the upper growing space 20 comprises draining the excessive growing liquid 22 through the partitioning wall 16. The partitioning wall 16 is made of liquid impermeable plate material or liquid impermeable fabric material and provided with flow openings 99 allowing excessive growing liquid 22 flow through the partitioning wall 16 from the upper growing space 20 to the lower liquid space 21.

In a further embodiment of the method, the excessive growing liquid is discharged from the upper growing space 20 to the lower liquid space 21 via one or more discharge connections 120 provided between the upper growing space 20 and the lower liquid space 21.

Thus, the method comprises discharging excessive growing liquid 22 from the upper growing space 20 comprises draining the excessive growing liquid 22 via a flow connection 120 provided or extending between the upper growing space 20 and the lower liquid space 21 allowing excessive growing liquid 22 flow from the upper growing space 20 to the lower liquid space 21.

In one embodiment, the method comprises taking growing liquid 22 from the lower liquid space 21 or from the separate growing liquid reservoir 200 and spraying the growing liquid 22 taken from the lower liquid space 21 or from the separate growing liquid reservoir 200 in the upper growing space 20 to the root part 54 of the plant 50.

In an alternative embodiment, the method comprises spraying growing liquid 22 in the upper growing space 20 to the root part 54 of the plant 50 with one or more growing liquid nozzles 70, 71, and circulating growing liquid 22 from the lower growing liquid space 21 or from the separate growing liquid reservoir 200 to the one or more growing liquid nozzles 70, 71 to be sprayed to the root part 54 of the plant 50. Accordingly, the excessive growing liquid 22 collected to the lower liquid space 21 or to the separate growing liquid reservoir is circulated back to the growing liquid nozzles 70 to be sprayed again to the upper growing space 20.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the method comprises adding new growing liquid 22 to the system 2 via the growing liquid inlet arrangement 90, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97.

In another embodiment, the method comprises adding new growing liquid 22 to the lower liquid space 21 or to the separate growing liquid reservoir 200 via the growing liquid inlet arrangement 90, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97. In a further embodiment, the method comprises adding new growing liquid 22 to the system 2 by supplying new growing liquid 22 to the one or more growing liquid nozzles 70, 71 via a growing liquid inlet arrangement 90, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97. In this embodiment, the new growing liquid is supplied directly to the one or more growing liquid nozzles 70 or to the growing liquid circulation arrangement 80, 81 to be further supplied to the growing liquid nozzles 70.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises measuring surface level of the growing liquid 22 in the lower liquid space 21 or om the separate growing liquid reservoir 200 and adding new growing liquid 22 based on the surface level measurement. Accordingly, when surface level of the growing liquid 22 in the lower growing space 21 or in the separate growing liquid reservoir decreases and lowers under a predetermined level, new growing liquid is added to the system 2 via the growing liquid inlet arrangement automatically.

In one embodiment, the method comprises spraying the growing liquid 22 in the upper growing space 20 intermittently or intermittently at predetermined intervals and a predetermined time in each interval.

The spraying may be carried out for example 6 to 8 seconds once at a time in every 10 to 30 minutes.

In some embodiments, the method may further comprise measuring humidity in the upper growing space.

The spraying with the growing liquid nozzles 70 may be carried out based on the humidity measurement in the upper growing space 20. Thus, the spraying may be carried out automatically, when the humidity decreases under a predetermined value, for example under 98% of relative humidity.

The aerial shoot 52 of the plant 50 is illuminated with one or more growing lamp 32, 34 during the farming. Illuminating is carried out such that it replicates sun light. Thus, the aerial shoot 52 may be illuminated between 8 to 16 hours a day for replicating day light.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises adjusting the temperature inside the growing chamber during the farming process.

In one embodiment, the method comprises adjusting the temperature in the upper growing space by utilizing one or more thermal adjustment devices. The temperature is adjusted by heating or cooling or by heating and cooling.

In one embodiment, the method comprises adjusting the temperature growing liquid 22 for adjusting the temperature inside growing chamber 6 and/or in the upper growing space 20. In this embodiment, the temperature of growing liquid in the lower liquid space 22 is adjusted by heating or cooling or by heating and cooling. Alternatively or additionally, the temperature of growing liquid sprayed from the growing liquid nozzles 70 and/or circulated in the liquid circulation arrangement 80, 81 is adjusted by heating or cooling or by heating and cooling.

In some embodiments, the method may further comprise measuring temperature in the upper growing space 20 or inside the growing chamber 6.

The adjusting of the temperature with the thermal adjustment device8s) is carried out based on the temperature measurement in the upper growing space 20 or inside the growing chamber 6. Thus, the adjusting of the temperature may be carried out automatically, when the temperature decreases under a predetermined lower value or exceed a predetermined upper. Preferably the temperature is kept under for example under 24 °C and under 20 °C when tubers are formed.

The method comprises for farming tuber plants or root vegetables may comprise growing stage and a production stage. In the growing stage the plant grows from seedling and in production stage the plant produces tubers or root vegetables.

The growing stage comprises illuminating the aerial shoot 52 of the plant 50 a first predetermined illuminating period in a day with the one or more growing lamp 32, 34. The first predetermined illuminating period in the growing stage is between 12 to 22 hours a day.

The growing stage further comprises providing a first predetermined concentration of nitrogen in the growing liquid 22, and spraying the growing liquid 22 having the first predetermined concentration of nitrogen in the upper growing space 20 to the root part 54 of the plant 50 intermittently at first predetermined intervals for spraying a first amount of the growing liquid 22 to the root part 54 of the plant in a day. In the growing stage, the growing liquid is sprayed 8 to 12 seconds once in a first interval of 12 to 30 minutes.

The production stage comprises illuminating the aerial shoot 52 of the plant 50 a second predetermined illuminating period in a day with one or more growing lamp 32, 34. The second illuminating period is shorter than the first predetermined illuminating period. The second predetermined illuminating period in the growing stage is between 8 to 16 hours a day.

The production stage further comprises providing a second predetermined concentration of nitrogen in the growing liquid 22. The second predetermined concentration is less than the first predetermined nitrogen concentration. The production stage also comprises spraying the growing liquid 22 having the second predetermined concentration of nitrogen in the upper growing space 20 to the root part 54 of the plant 50 intermittently at second predetermined intervals for spraying a second amount of the growing liquid to the root part 54 of the plant in a day. The second amount of growing liquid 22 is less than the first amount of growing liquid 22. In the production stage, the growing liquid is sprayed 4 to 8 seconds once in a second interval of 8 to 25 minutes.

Initiating the production stage in the farming method further initiates the production of tubers or root vegetables due to the changes in the farming environment. The invention has been described above with reference to the examples shown in the figures. However, the invention is in no way restricted to the above examples but may vary within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An aeroponic farming system (2) for growing tuber plants or root vegetable plants (50) having an aerial shoot (52) and underground root part (54), the system comprising: - a plant support base (4) for supporting the plant (50), the plant support base (4) comprises a support opening (40) arranged to support the plant (50) such that the plant extends through the plant support base (4) via the support opening (40) and such that the aerial shoot (52) is arranged on a first side of the plant support base (4) and the root part (54) is arranged on a second side the plant support base (4); and

- a growing chamber (6) provided on the second side of the plant support base (4), the growing chamber (6) comprising growing chamber walls (12, 13, 4) defining a closed chamber space (20, 21), the growing chamber walls (12, 13, 4) being non-transparent, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the growing chamber (6) comprises:

- a partitioning wall (16) arranged to divide the closed chamber space (20, 21) into an upper growing space (20) and a lower liquid space (21);

- the upper growing space (20) being provided between the plant support base (4) and the partitioning wall (16) for enclosing the root part (54) of the plant (50); and

- the lower liquid space (21) being provided between the partitioning sheet (16) and a bottom wall (13) of the growing chamber (6) for retaining growing liquid (22).

2. An aeroponic farming system (2) according to claim 1, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the system (2) further comprises:

- one or more growing liquid nozzles (70, 71) arranged to spray growing liquid to the upper growing space (20) of the growing chamber (6); or

- one or more growing liquid nozzles (70, 71) arranged to the upper growing space (20) and arranged to spray growing liquid to the upper growing space (20) of the growing chamber (6); or

- one or more growing liquid nozzles (70, 71) having a nozzle head (71) opening into the upper growing space (20) and arranged to spray growing liquid to the upper growing space (20) of the growing chamber (6).

3. An aeroponic farming system (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the system (2) further comprises growing liquid reservoir (12, 13, 200) provided to the lower liquid space (21) and arranged to retain growing liquid (22).

4. An aeroponic farming system (2) according to claim 3, characterized in that:

- the growing chamber walls (12, 13) are arranged to provide the growing liquid reservoir; or

- side walls (12) and the bottom wall (13) of the growing chamber (6) are arranged to provide the growing liquid reservoir; or

- the lower liquid space (21) is provided with a separate growing liquid reservoir (200) arranged below the partitioning wall (16).

5. An aeroponic farming system (2) according to any one of claims 2 to

4, characterized in that:

- the system (2) comprises a liquid circulation arrangement (80, 81, 82) arranged to supply growing liquid (22) from the growing liquid reservoir (12, 13, 98) to one or more of the growing liquid nozzles (70, 71); or

- the system (2) comprises a liquid circulation arrangement (80, 81, 82) arranged to supply growing liquid (22) from the growing liquid reservoir (12, 13, 98) in the lower liquid space (21) to one or more of the growing liquid nozzles (70, 71) arranged in the upper growing space (20).

6. An aeroponic farming system (2) according to claim 5 characterized in that:

- the liquid circulation arrangement (80, 81, 82) is arranged inside the growing chamber (6); or

- the liquid circulation arrangement is arranged outside the growing chamber (6).

7. An aeroponic farming system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the system comprises:

- a growing liquid inlet arrangement (90, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97) arranged to supply growing liquid (22) into the growing chamber (6);

-a growing liquid inlet arrangement (90, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97) connected to the growing chamber (6) and arranged to the supply growing liquid to the lower liquid space (21) of the growing chamber (6); or

- a growing liquid inlet arrangement (90, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97) connected to one or more of the growing liquid nozzles (70, 71) and arranged to the supply growing liquid to one or more of the growing liquid nozzles (70, 71); or

- a growing liquid inlet arrangement (90, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97) connected to the liquid circulation arrangement (80, 81, 82) and arranged to the supply growing liquid to the growing chamber (6) via one or more of the growing liquid nozzles (70, 71).

8. An aeroponic farming system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to

7, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that:

- the growing chamber (6) is provided with a surface lever sensor (67) arranged to measure the surface level of the growing liquid (22) in the lower liquid space (21); or

- the growing chamber (6) is provided with a surface lever sensor (67) arranged to measure the surface level of the growing liquid (22) in the lower liquid space (21), the surface level sensor (67) being connected to the growing liquid inlet arrangement (90, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97) for automatically supplying growing liquid.

9. An aeroponic farming system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to

8, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the system comprises:

- a discharge connection (99, 120) provided between the upper growing space (20) and the lower liquid space (21), the discharge connection (99, 120) being arranged to discharge excessive growing liquid sprayed into the upper growing space (21) from the upper growing space (20) to the lower liquid space (21) or to the growing liquid reservoir (200) in the lower liquid space (21); or

- a discharge connection (99) provided to the partitioning wall (16) between the upper growing space (20) and the lower liquid space (21), the discharge connection being arranged to discharge excessive growing liquid sprayed into the upper growing space (21) from the upper growing space (20) to the lower liquid space (21) or to the growing liquid reservoir (200) in the lower liquid space (21).

10. An aeroponic farming system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to

9, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that:

- the partitioning wall (16) is made of liquid permeable fabric material, net material, or grid material allowing excessive growing liquid (22) flow through the partitioning wall (16) from the upper growing space (20) to the lower liquid space (21); or

- the partitioning wall (16) is made of liquid impermeable plate material or liquid impermeable fabric material and provided with flow openings (99) allowing excessive growing liquid (22) flow through the partitioning wall (16) from the upper growing space (20) to the lower liquid space (21); or

- the partitioning wall (16) is made of liquid impermeable plate or liquid impermeable fabric material, and the system (2) comprises a flow connection (99) provided or extending between the upper growing space (20) and the lower liquid space (21) allowing excessive growing liquid (22) flow from the upper growing space (20) to the lower liquid space (21).

11. A method for aeroponic farming of tuber plants or root vegetable plants (50) having an aerial shoot (52) and underground root part (54) in an aeroponic farming system (2), c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the system (2) comprises:

- a plant support base (4) for supporting the plant (50), the plant support base (4) comprises a support opening (40) arranged to support the plant (50) such that the plant (50) extends through the plant support base (4) via the support opening (40) and such that the aerial shoot (52) is arranged on a first side of the plant support base (4) and the root part (54) is arranged on a second side of the plant support base (4);

- a growing chamber (6) provided on the second side of the plant support base (4), the growing chamber (6) comprising growing chamber walls (12, 13, 4) defining a closed chamber space (20, 21), the growing chamber walls (12, 13, 4) being non-transparent, the growing chamber (6) enclosing the root part (54) of the plant (50); and

- a partitioning wall (16) arranged to divide the closed chamber space (20, 21) into an upper growing space (20) and a lower liquid space (21), the upper growing space (20) being provided between the plant support base (4) and the liquid permeable partitioning wall (16) for enclosing the root part (54) of the plant (50), and the lower liquid space (21) being provided between the liquid permeable partitioning sheet (16) and a bottom wall (13) of the growing chamber (6) for retaining growing liquid (22), and that the method comprises: - spraying growing liquid (22) in the upper growing space (20) to the root part (54) of the plant (50); and

- discharging excessive growing liquid (22) from the upper growing space (20); and

- collecting the excessive growing liquid (22) discharged from the upper growing space (20) to the lower liquid space (21).

12. A method according to claim 11, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the method further comprises:

- taking growing liquid (22) from the lower liquid space (21) and spraying the growing liquid (22) taken from the lower liquid space (21) in the upper growing space (20) to the root part (54) of the plant (50); or

- spraying growing liquid (22) in the upper growing space (20) to the root part (54) of the plant (50) with one or more growing liquid nozzles (70, 71), and circulating growing liquid (22) from the lower growing liquid space (21) to the one or more growing liquid nozzles (70, 71) to be sprayed to the root part (54) of the plant (50).

13. A method according to claim 11 or 12, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that:

- discharging excessive growing liquid (22) from the upper growing space (20) comprises draining the excessive growing liquid (22) through the partitioning wall (16), the partitioning wall being made of liquid permeable fabric material, net material, or grid material allowing excessive growing liquid (22) flow through the partitioning wall (16) from the upper growing space (20) to the lower liquid space (21); or

- discharging excessive growing liquid (22) from the upper growing space (20) comprises draining the excessive growing liquid (22) through the partitioning wall (16), the partitioning wall (16) is made of liquid impermeable plate material or liquid impermeable fabric material and provided with flow openings (99) allowing excessive growing liquid (22) flow through the partitioning wall (16) from the upper growing space (20) to the lower liquid space (21); or

- discharging excessive growing liquid (22) from the upper growing space (20) comprises draining the excessive growing liquid (22) via a flow connection (120) provided or extending between the upper growing space (20) and the lower liquid space (21) allowing excessive growing liquid (22) flow from the upper growing space (20) to the lower liquid space (21).

14. A method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the method further comprises: - adding new growing liquid (22) to the system (2) via a growing liquid inlet arrangement (90, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97); or

- adding new growing liquid (22) to the lower liquid space (21) via a growing liquid inlet arrangement (90, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97); or

- adding new growing liquid (22) to the system (2) by supplying new growing liquid (22) to the one or more growing liquid nozzles (70, 71) via a growing liquid inlet arrangement (90, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97).

15. A method according to the claim 14, characterized in that the method further comprises measuring surface level of the growing liquid (22) in the lower liquid space (21) and adding new growing liquid (22) based on the surface level measurement.