WO2022072574A1 - Closed loop just-in-time farm system - Google Patents

Abstract

A closed-loop just-in-time farm system includes an array of growth pods, an array of lights associated with the array of growth pods, a plurality of sensors associated with the array of growth pods and operable to monitor the size and maturity of individual plants in the array, a plurality of inputs selectively operable to vary the inputs to individual plants based on the size and maturity of the individual plant and a controller monitoring the growth pods and sensors to determine the status of an individual plant and to vary the operation of the array of lights and the inputs to modify the growth of each individual plant.

Description

CLOSED LOOP JUST-IN-TIME FARM SYSTEM

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U. S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63/086,035 filed on September 30, 2020, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a system and method for closed loop farming in real time. More specifically, the present disclosure related to a method and apparatus for monitoring the growth of plants to provide inputs to the plants in response and identify.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Access to food, especially fresh food, is important to the human existence. When food is not grown locally, but shipped to a point of consumption, waste is an inevitable result through spoilage, damage, and an imbalance of supply and demand requiring over-supply to meet demand. In addition, in some cases the timing of harvest has to be estimated such that product will arrive at the point of sale or consumption at the appropriate ripeness.

[0004] Because plants are living organisms even under identical conditions plants growing together may mature at different rates. This results in variations in the produce that must be addressed by harvesting when a majority of plants are prepared for harvest, but some plants may not be prepared, or may be overly matured such that they are lost due to the variations between plants.

[0005] Still further, growing conditions over even relatively close geographic locales can vary widely due to localized variations rainfall. This coupled with the natural variations in climate across the globe result in varied agricultural practices the include irrigation or require modification of agricultural land to control the flow of water from ground that may naturally remain wet, such as by the use of field tile. Plants grown in the open are susceptible to damage from severe including windstorms, hailstorms, variations in rainfall, and variations in temperature.

[0006] All of the issues discussed are further exasperated by the potential for pests, disease, and competitive noxious plants to affect a particular crop in a given locale. This results in need for expensive, herbicides, pesticides, and, in some cases, genetically modified seeds to help control these competitive and damaging organisms. The need for these treatments increases the costs of production, the potential for crop damage due to misapplication, and increased potential for consumers to be exposed to unwanted chemicals. [0007] Finally, most plant production is augmented by the application of artificial nutrients such as industrially produced fertilizers or animal manure. While effective in assisting with the growth of the plants, the current modes of application limit the ability to provide nutrients to a particular plant at the key time. Current large scale agricultural production has addressed this by controlling the application of inputs, such as fertilizer, based on testing the soil over a given production space and varying the application of inputs based on the characteristics of the soil over large areas, thereby adjusting for variations in the soil. However, this variation of input application, usually based on a GPS location, is not driven by the plant response, but by the characteristics of the given soil.

SUMMARY

[0008] The present disclosure includes one or more of the features recited in the appended claims and/or the following features which, alone or in any combination, may comprise patentable subject matter.

[0009] According to the present disclosure, a closed loop just-in-time farm system is capable of monitoring the response of a single plant to various inputs and to vary the inputs to control the growth and maturation of the plant and/or the fruit of the plant to synchronize the growth of the plants over an extended population. In some embodiments, the system is capable of supporting the growth of plants in an indoor environment and managing the production of the crop to provide appropriate amounts of mature crop in response to demand for the crop, thereby reducing waste and efficiently providing inputs to match a particular plant’s needs.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a closed- loop just-in-time farm system comprises an array of growth pods, an array of lights, a plurality of sensors, a plurality of inputs, and a controller. The array of growth pods is configured for growing plants. The array of lights associated with the array of growth pods. The plurality of sensors is associated with the array of growth pods and operable to monitor the size and maturity of individual plants in the array. The plurality of inputs selectively operable to vary the inputs to individual plants based on the size and maturity of the individual plant. The controller monitoring the growth pods and sensors to determine the status of an individual plant and to vary the operation of the array of lights and the inputs to modify the growth of each individual plant.

[0011] In some embodiments, the intensity of individual lights in the array is variable. [0012] In some embodiments, the light array is configured to selectively emit UV-C light.

[0013] In some embodiments, the sensors measure the weight of a growth pod.

[0014] In some embodiments, the inputs are varied based on a weight of the growth pod.

[0015] In some embodiments, the sensors measure the color of a specific plant. [0016] In some embodiments, the inputs are varied based on the color of the plant.

[0017] In some embodiments, the sensors measure the temperature of a portion of the plant.

[0018] In some embodiments, inputs are varied based on the color of the plant.

[0019] In some embodiments, the inputs include a fertilizer solution.

[0020] In some embodiments, the inputs include a rate of flow of water.

[0021] In some embodiments, the controller varies an intensity of light exposure to a plant.

[0022] In some embodiments, the controller varies a duration of light exposure to the plants.

[0023] In some embodiments, the controller varies a wavelength of light exposure to the plants.

[0024] In some embodiments, the controller controls the maturity of the plant through inputs to meet an upcoming demand.

[0025] In some embodiments, the sensors measure the pH of the solution in a growth pod.

[0026] In some embodiments, the sensors measure an amount of nutrients in the solution supporting the plant.

[0027] In some embodiments, the sensors measure a temperature of the solution supporting the plant.

[0028] In some embodiments, the controller controls the lights and inputs to control growth of a plant to meet an upcoming demand.

[0029] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a growth pod assembly for supporting the growth of a plant includes a growth pod body comprising a chamber having a bottom and a plurality of vertical sidewalls that form an interior space, a lid configured to engage the sidewalls of the chamber to enclose the interior space, and a growth cup supported from the lid.

[0030] In some embodiments, the growth pod body comprises silicone.

[0031] In some embodiments, the growth pod body is flexible.

[0032] In some embodiments, the growth pod body further comprises a luminescent glow powder providing analog feedback as to the amount of light impinging upon the growth pod body. [0033] In some embodiments, the lid comprises silicone.

[0034] In some embodiments, the lid is formed to include an aperture.

[0035] In some embodiments, the growth cup is received in the aperture.

[0036] In some embodiments, the growth pod assembly further comprises a cap positioned in the growth cup to seal the interior space. [0037] In some embodiments, the growth pod assembly further comprises at least one port formed in the lid.

[0038] In some embodiments, the growth pod assembly further comprises a silicone plug positioned in the port.

[0039] In some embodiments, the growth cup comprises silicone.

[0040] In some embodiments, the growth cup is flexible.

[0041] In some embodiments, the growth cup is formed to include a plurality of apertures to accommodate root growth.

[0042] Additional features, which alone or in combination with any other feature(s), such as those listed above and/or those listed in the claims, can comprise patentable subject matter and will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the embodiments as presently perceived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figures in which:

[0044] Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a closed-loop farming system according to the present disclosure;

[0045] Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic representation of a portion of the closed-loop farming system of Fig. 1;

[0046] Fig. 3 is a side view of a pod of the closed-loop farming system of Fig. 1, the pod supporting a plant for growth;

[0047] Fig. 4 is an exploded assembly view of a pod assembly including a pod body and a lid with an integrated growth cup for supporting a plant for growth;

[0048] Fig. 5 is a side view of the lid with the integrated growth cup of Fig. 4;

[0049] Fig. 6 is a top view of the lid with the integrated growth cup of Fig. 4;

[0050] Fig. 7 is a diagrammatic representation of a light array of the closed- loop farming system of Fig. 1;

[0051] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a cap for a growth pod with a lid that has an opening;

[0052] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the cap of Fig. 8;

[0053] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a removable growth cup for use with a lid that has an opening;

[0054] Fig. 11 is a side view of the growth cup of Fig. 10;

[0055] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a lid for use in a pod assembly, such as the pod assembly of Fig. 4, the lid having an opening to receive caps or removable growth cups; [0056] Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a body of a smaller growth pod, similar to the pod body of Fig. 4, but having a shorter height dimension;

[0057] Fig. 14 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a cap for the lid of Fig. 12, the cap of Fig. 14 having catches for securing the cap to the lid;

[0058] Fig 15 is a cap similar to the cap of Fig. 14, but lacking the catches;

[0059] Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional side view of the cap of Fig. 15; and

[0060] Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a plug that can be used to close the seal ports on the caps for the growth pods.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] A farming system 10 according to the present disclosure is shown in Fig. 1 to include a central server controller 12 which is in communication with several client controllers 14, each of which is associated with a particular pod array 16. Each pod array 16 includes a number of growth pods 18 which are arranged in close proximity to each other. Each growth pod 18 contains a single plant 20 (not shown in Fig. 1) and supports the plant 20 for growth as will be described in further detail below. Each pod array 16 and its associated controller 14 functions as a semi-autonomous growing environment for the plants 20 in the particular array 16. The pod array 16 is managed by the respective client controller 14 such that the client controller 14 receives signals from sensors (described in more detail below) associated with the pod array 14 or a particular pod 18 to monitor the growing conditions of the pod array 14 and/or individual pods 18 and to vary inputs to the array 14 and/or individual pods 18 to establish a closed loop control of the growth and maturation of the individual plants 20. In this way, the individual plants 20 can be optimized for particular production needs and to encourage to the plants 20 to develop to particular specifications.

[0062] As will be described in more detail below, the client controller 14 communicates with an associated pump 22 which is in communication with an input manifold 24 and an output manifold 26. The input manifold 24 is in fluid communication with tanks 28, 30, 32, and 34 such that the pump 22 can pull fluids from the tanks 28, 30, 32, and 34 through the manifold 24 and feed the fluids through the output manifold 26 to feed the fluid to a respective pod 18.

[0063] Referring now to Fig. 2, the details of a particular arrangement of client controller 14, pod array 16, pump 22, input manifold 24, and output manifold 26 is shown in additional detail. In the illustrative embodiment, the tanks 28, 30, 32, 34 each contain a different liquid with tank 28 holding water, tank 30 holding liquid nitrogen, tan 32 holding a potassium solution, and tank 34 holding a phosphorous solution. The client controller 14 is in electrical communication with the input manifold 24 and operable to open and close valves 36, 38, 40, and 42 on the manifold to allow the liquid in the tanks 28, 30, 32, 34 to be drawn into the pump 22. The client controller 14 is operable to control the pump 22 to control a flow from each tank 28, 30, 32, 34 or in combination, depending on the actuation of the valves 36, 38, 40, and 42. The flow through the pump 22 is then directed to the pods 18. The output manifold 26 includes valves 44, 46, 48, and 50 which each are in communication with the output of the pump 22. The valves are then fluidly connected to respective pods 56, 58, 62, and 60 as shown in Fig. 2. In this way, the flow from the tanks 28, 30, 32, 34 can be directed to a particular pod 18 such as the pods 56, 58, 62, and 60 under the direction of the client controller 14. The flow from the valves 44, 46, 48, and 50 are directed to an inlet port 52 in the pod 18 as will be described in further detail below.

[0064] Each pod 18 also includes a sensor port 54 through which a sensor can be positioned inside of the pod 18 to gather information about the particular pod 18 as will be described in further detail below. Each pod 18 has a sensor (or sensor array) positioned in each sensor port 54 and in electrical communication with the client controller 14 so that the client controller 14 receives sensor information from the respective pod 56, 58, 62, and 60.

[0065] As suggested in Fig. 3, each pod 18 has an elongate pod body 64 with a hexagonal sidewall 66. The pod 18 supports the plant 20 through a lid 68 so that the lid 68 supports the plant 20. In some embodiments, the pod 18 is used in a method similar to the method of use of the chamber 10 disclosed in WO2019/028145A1, published February 2, 2019 and titled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GROWING VEGETATION,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. As shown in Figs. 4-6, the lid 68 is removably couplable to the body 64 and is integrally and monolithically formed to include a growth cup 70 in which growth media is placed to support the plant 20, including, in some cases, a portion of the root structure of the plant 20. The cup 70 includes a plurality of openings 72 which allows the root structure to expand beyond the cup 70 and extend into the inner space 74 of the body 64. It should be understood that the thickness of the lid 68 and the securing of the lid 68 to the body 64 causes the relatively flexible sidewalls 66 to be stiffened by the action of the lid 68 in expanding the sidewalls 66 and securing all of the sidewalls through the connection of the lid 68.

[0066] The inner space 74 is enclosed such that fluids may be positioned in the inner space and accessible to the root structure as described in WO2019/028145A1, referenced above. The lid 68 is formed to define a perimeter edge 76 that has a first lip 78, a channel 80, and a second lip 82. The perimeter 76 is configured such that the lid 68 may be engaged with an inner locking structure 86 formed at the top 88 of the body 64 with an interference fit to secure the lid 68 to the body 64 and provide an air-tite seal.

[0067] The locking structure 86 is formed to include a bulbous ridge 84 that engages the channel 80 of the lid 68 with the ridge 84 being shaped to allow the lip 78 to secure the lid 68 by sealing around a lower edge 90 of the ridge 84. The lid 68 and ridge 84 are flexible such that the lip 78 can be forced past the ridge 84 and secure the ridge 84 between the lip 78 and lip 82. The lid 68 is formed to include the inlet port 52 and sensor port 54 as shown in Fig. 6. It should be understood that both ports 52 and 54 provide access to the inner space 74 but each may be plugged when not in use to prevent unexpected evaporation of liquid from the inner space 74. Additionally, each port 52, 54 may be used as an inlet for fluid or as an access point to insert a sensor or sensor array into the pod 18.

[0068] Referring again to Figs. 1 and 2, each client server 14 is also in communication with a light array 92. An example of a light array 92 is shown diagrammatically in Fig. 7. The light array 92 includes a control module 94 that is operable to control a plurality of light sources 96. Each light source 96 is position such that a give pod 18 of the pod array 16 is associated with a separate light source 96. In addition, a sensor 98 is positioned adjacent each light source 96 and is configured to detect characteristics of the plant 20 of the pod 18 that the light source 96 is associated with and provide feedback to the client server 14 through the control module 94 of the light array 96.

[0069] In use, the server controller 12 is responsible for managing the operation of the farm system 10 as a whole, while the client controllers 14 each operate to control the growth in each of their own pod arrays 16. In some embodiments, each pod array 16 could be producing the same plants as any other of the pod arrays 16 and each of the client controllers 14 may be controlling the operation of the respective pod array 16 so that the plants in the respective pod array 16 have a targeted maturation date or timeframe. The server controller 12 includes a processor and memory that includes instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the server controller 12 to command each individual client controller 14 to operate according a large scale schema that relies on the output of the respective pod array 16 to meet a demand profile known to the server controller 12. In some embodiments, the server controller 12 may take in demand data from point of sale or point of consumption data terminals and determine a demand profile for a particular type of plant. The server controller 12 then operates as a resource planning structure to operate the pod arrays 16 to meet the demand. Information from each client server 14 and its respective sensors may be used to look at the overall production profile and make adjustments as necessary to manage production of the plants.

[0070] In some embodiments, the farm system 10 may be positioned in a building and the operation of all of the aforementioned structure may be used to provide all of the inputs necessary to control production of the plants/crop. The client server 14 acting as a closed loop controller may use data from sensors positioned in the pod 18, adjacent the pod array 16, and the sensors 98 in the light array 92 to monitor the growing conditions of the plant 20 in a particular pod 18 and the progress of the plant 20. For example, in some embodiments the sensors 98 in the light array may be photosensors capable of measuring a color of the leaves or fruit of the plant 20 to determine the current status of the plant 20 or fruit. In other embodiments, the sensors 98 may be cameras that use image recognition to make determinations about the status of the plant 20 or its fruit. In some embodiments, the camera may be an infrared camera.

[0071] The light sources 96 of the light array are adjustable under the control of the control module 94 to modify the light applied to the plant 20. The variation in intensity may be used to modify the growth profile for the plant 20. In addition, the light may be varied by the control module 94 while the sensor 98 monitors the plant 20 such that the response of the plant 20 to the variations in light is monitored to determine a status of the plant 20. The sensors 98 may, in some embodiments, be a depth sensor or other measuring instrument to provide details regarding the size of the plant 20. Changes in the plant 20 over time may be monitored to determine the response of the plant 20 to stimuli provided by the client controller 14 and the client controller 14 uses the real-time data to predict maturity of the plant 20 and provide additional controls.

[0072] While certain sensors may be positioned in the inner space 74, other sensors may be positioned adjacent the pod 18 or pod array 16 to provide input to the client controller 14. For example, photosensors may be positioned to measure the light impinging on the plant 20 or passing through the plant 20 to assess the status of the plant. In some embodiments, the pod 18 may be positioned on a weight sensor, such as a load cell, for example, to determine the weight of the pod 18. Comparing the weight of the pod 18, which includes the plant 20 and comparing that to the level of liquid in the inner space 74, may be used to predict a yield of the plant 20 [0073] Sensors positioned in the inner space 74 may measure the pH of a liquid in the pod 18, the level of liquid in the inner space 74, the nutrient constituency of the liquid, the temperature of the liquid, or other parameters that may be used by the client controller 14 to monitor and control the inputs to the pod 18 to control the growth of the plant 20.

[0074] Using the sensor information described above, the client controller 14 may adjust the nutrients and quantity of water provided to the plant 20 throughout its life to impact the growth of the plant 20 over time. It should be understood that the arrangement described may also be modified to treat the body of the plant 20 by using the pump 22 and output manifold 24 to apply materials to the leaves of the plant 20. This may used, for example, to treat the plant 20 for pests when such pests are detected by, for example, the sensors 98. While the present disclosure discusses the use of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorous, it should be understood that various chemicals may be applied to a particular plant 20 and the disclosure of particular chemicals herein is illustrative only and may vary depending on the needs of the particular specie being grown. [0075] It should also be understood that the light array may, in some embodiments, be used for pest control. For example, the light elements 96 may be capable of providing ultra-violet light in certain circumstances, to assist with pest control and sterilization of the plants 20. For example, when humans are absent, the light array 92 may emit UV-C to provide sterilization.

[0076] Importantly, the present disclosure is directed to providing a closely controlled growth environment. The pod 18 supports the control by being capable of being sterilized so that the introduction of unwanted organisms and pest can be avoided. In the illustrative embodiment, the pod 18 is constructed of a silicone material that is generally flexible. The silicone material can be autoclaved to temperatures up to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and will sustain freezing temperatures down to -30 degrees Fahrenheit. The benefits for using silicone include that the material is medical grade and flexible allowing it to be collapsed for shipping. Additionally, it does not become brittle and is resistant to damage and degradation. It is resistant to aging due to ultraviolet or visible light and is fully recyclable. This allows it to be considered to by phytosanitary and cable of being cleaned with ultraviolet-C light. Heat is easily transferred through the material. For all of these reasons, silicone material is well suited for use as components of the growth pod 18.

[0077] Referring now to Fig. 12, an alternative embodiment of a lid 100 is similar to lid 68 of Fig. 4, but lacks the integrated growth cup 70 and is formed with an opening 102 which is configured to receive alternative structures as described in further detail below. In one instance, an independent growth cup 104, shown in Figs. 10 and 11, is configured to be received in the opening 102 and includes a plurality of catches 106 that slip below a lip 108 of the opening 102 to secure the growth cup 104 in the opening 102 to form a seal between the lower edge 110 of a rim 112 of the growth cup 104 and perimeter surface 114 of the opening 102.

[0078] As an alternative to the growth cup 104, a cap 120 shown in Fig. 14 may be placed in the opening 102 and is secured to the lid 100 by a pair of clasps 122 which catch under the lip 108 to secure the cap 120 to the lid 100. The clasps 122 are configured to provide an air-tite seal between a lower surface 124 of a rim 126 to the perimeter surface 114. In addition, the cap 120 includes an annular side wall 128 that is tapered to further seal against and inner surface of the perimeter of the opening 102 to provide additional sealing through an interference fit. In other embodiments, such as the one shown in Fig. 15, the cap 130 is sized to fit within an opening 116 of the growth cup 104 or the growth cup 70 of the embodiment of Figs. 4-6 with an interference fit to seal against the growth cup 104 and form an air-tite interference seal.

[0079] In still another embodiment shown in Figs. 8 and 9, a cap 140 is configured to secure within the opening 102 similar to the engagement of lid 68 to the pod body 88. The cap 140 is formed to define a perimeter edge 142 that has a first lip 144, a channel 146, and a second lip 148. The perimeter 142 is configured such that the cap 140 may be engaged with the lip 108 formed in the lid 104 with an interference fit to secure the cap 140 to the lid 104 within the opening 102 and provide an air-tite seal.

[0080] Another structure of the present disclosure include a pod body 150 is shown in Fig. 13 to illustrate that the pod body 150 can be configured with a shorter height 152 in certain circumstances. Still further, a plug 154 shown in Fig. 17 is made of silicone as well and is configured to be friction fit into the ports 52, 54 to cause the interior space of 74 of the pod bodies 64, 150 to be fully sealed.

[0081] It should be understood that the structures of Figs. 4-6 and 8-17 are all contemplated to be constructed of silicone for all of the reasons and benefits discussed above. In some embodiments, the components of Figs. 4-6 and 8-17 may be formed to include a luminescent glow powder that absorbs light energy and glows to provide an analog indication of the amount of light being directed to the particular structure or growth pod.

[0082] Because the of the ability of the pod bodies 64, 150 to be sealed using caps 120, 130, 140 and plugs 154, the various components can be used to establish an air-tite seal such that the pod bodies 64, 150 can be covered to form shipping containers, or containers for other growth activities. The ability to mix and match the components disclosed in Figs. 4-6 and 8-17 allows the formation of growth chambers that can be used for various activities including incubation, fermentation, tissue grafting, propagation of fungus (e.g. mushrooms), all while providing a sterile environment.

[0083] In a typical example, a plant is positioned in growth media, such as soil, positioned in a growth cup 70 or 104 and grown as described in the aforementioned WO2019/028145A1, published February 2, 2019 and titled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GROWING VEGETATION.” However, the ability to seal the ports 52, 54, with the plug 154 reduces moisture loss due to evaporation and, if necessary, maintains the interior space of the growth pod to remain sterile.

[0084] In another application, a pod assembly may be sealed and used to cultivate mushrooms. Because the structure is resistant to temperatures, the pod assembly may be filled with a substrate suitable for supporting the growth of mycelium and then either cold pasteurized by freezing, freeze drying or the like. Alternatively, the substrate and pod assembly may be raised to a temperature for pasteurization. In either case, the substrate and interior are sufficiently sterile to support the use of mycelium to grow a mushroom crop. For example, substrates including organic brown rice, straw, leaves or other waste matter, hemp or other suitable support structure may then be used to grow the mushrooms in a sealed environment. [0085] Additionally, the pod assembly may also be used to support fermentation with pod assembly easily sterilized and having a built-in location for testing through the ports 52, 54. In addition, the ports 52, 54 may be fit with a check valve to manage the exhausting of gases from the chamber. Fermentation may include the fermentation of alcohol, extracts, such as vanilla extract, kombucha, or any other fermentation process.

[0086] Although this disclosure refers to specific embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the subject matter set forth in the accompanying claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A closed-loop just-in-time farm system comprising: an array of growth pods for growing plants; an array of lights associated with the array of growth pods; a plurality of sensors associated with the array of growth pods and operable to monitor the size and maturity of individual plants in the array; a plurality of inputs selectively operable to vary the inputs to individual plants based on the size and maturity of the individual plant; and a controller monitoring the growth pods and sensors to determine the status of an individual plant and to vary the operation of the array of lights and the inputs to modify the growth of each individual plant.

2. The closed-loop just-in-time farm system of claim 1, wherein the the intensity of individual lights in the array is variable.

3. The closed-loop just-in-time farm system of claim 1, wherein the light array is configured to selectively emit UV-C light.

4. The closed-loop just-in-time farm system of claim 1, wherein the sensors measure the weight of a growth pod.

5 The closed-loop just-in-time farm system of claim 4, wherein the inputs are varied based on a weight of the growth pod.

6. The closed-loop just-in-time farm system of claim 1, wherein the sensors measure the color of a specific plant.

7. The closed-loop just-in-time farm system of claim 6, wherein the inputs are varied based on the color of the plant.

8. The closed-loop just-in-time farm system of claim 1, wherein the sensors measure the temperature of a portion of the plant.

9. The closed-loop just-in-time farm system of claim 8, wherein inputs are varied based the temperature of a portion of the plant.

10. The closed-loop just-in-time farm system of claim 1, wherein the inputs include a fertilizer solution.

11. The closed-loop just-in-time farm system of claim 1, wherein the inputs include a rate of flow of water.

12. The closed-loop just-in-time farm system of claim 1, wherein the controller varies an intensity of light exposure to a plant.

13. The closed-loop just-in-time farm system of claim 1, wherein the controller varies a duration of light exposure to the plants.

14. The closed-loop just-in-time farm system of claim 1, wherein the controller varies a wavelength of light exposure to the plants.

15. The closed-loop just-in-time farm system of claim 1, wherein the sensors measure the pH of the solution in a growth pod.

16. The closed-loop just-in-time farm system of claim 1, wherein the sensors measure an amount of nutrients in the solution supporting the plant.

17. The closed-loop just-in-time farm system of claim 1, wherein the sensors measure a temperature of the solution supporting the plant.

18. The closed-loop just-in-time farm system of claim 1-17, wherein the controller controls the lights and inputs to control growth of a plant to meet an upcoming demand.

19. A growth pod assembly for supporting the growth of a plant comprising: a growth pod body comprising a chamber having a bottom and a plurality of vertical sidewalls that form an interior space; a lid configured to engage the sidewalls of the chamber to enclose the interior space; and a growth cup supported from the lid.

20. The growth pod assembly of claim 19, wherein the growth pod body comprises silicone.

21. The growth pod assembly of claim 20, wherein the growth pod body is flexible.

22. The growth pod assembly of claim 21, wherein the growth pod body further comprises a luminescent glow powder providing analog feedback as to the amount of light impinging upon the growth pod body.

23. The growth pod assembly of claim 19, wherein the lid comprises silicone.

24. The growth pod assembly of claim 23, wherein the lid is formed to include an aperture.

25. The growth pod assembly of claim 24, wherein the growth cup is received in the aperture.

26. The growth pod assembly of claim 25, further comprising a cap positioned in the growth cup to seal the interior space.

27. The growth pod assembly of claim 26, further comprising at least one port formed in the lid.

28. The growth pod assembly of claim 27, further comprising a silicone plug positioned in the port.

29. The growth pod assembly of claim 19, wherein the growth cup comprises silicone.

30. The growth pod assembly of claim 29, wherein the growth cup is flexible.

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31. The growth pod assembly of claim 30, wherein the growth cup is formed to include a plurality of apertures to accommodate root growth.

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