Controlled environment and method

Abstract

An illustrative embodiment of an irrigation system may include a carriage that may move along a predetermined path in a reciprocal manner. The carriage may support one or more exit ports that may be fed nutrient supply by a pressurized delivery arrangement. One or more plant stands may be configured and arranged to straddle the carriage as it moves along the predetermined path. The one or more plant stands may form a chamber into which plant roots may extend, and into which the one or more exit ports may discharge their nutrient supply. The one or more plant stands may include side panels and a cap to reduce infiltration of light and contaminants and to enhance the plant root/nutrient supply interface and absorption rates. The carriage and/or the plant stand(s) may include friction reducing elements that facilitate transverse movement. The carriage and/or the plant stand(s) may be supported by framework.

The following is claimed: 
     
         1 . A method of growing a crop in a controlled environment, said method comprising the steps of:
 a. arranging a first plurality of plants on a frame, wherein said frame is angled upward with respect to a horizontal plane and wherein said frame extends horizontally for a first distance;   b. positioning a first and a second nozzle beneath said frame, wherein said first and second nozzles are moveable with respect to said frame, wherein said first and second nozzles are in fluid communication with a supply line, and wherein a horizontal distance between said first and second nozzles is approximately equal to one half of said first distance;   c. providing a nutrient supply to said supply line, wherein said nutrient supply includes at least one nutrient said first plurality of plants require for growth;   d. pressurizing said nutrient supply such that said nutrient supply exits said first nozzle in a direction toward said first plurality of plants;   e. moving said first and second nozzles such that said nutrient supply exits said first nozzle in a direction toward a second plurality of plants, wherein said second plurality of plants is arranged on said frame adjacent said first plurality of plants;   f. collecting a portion of said nutrient supply not absorbed by said first plurality of plants; and   g. redistributing said portion of said nutrient supply not absorbed by said first plurality of plants to said first and second pluralities of plants.   
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein said first and second nozzles are further defined as being moveable in a linear fashion with respect to said plurality of plants. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein said frame is further defined as comprising two frame portions, and wherein said two frame portions are generally symmetrical about a vertical plane. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 3  wherein a chamber between said two frame portions is further defined as an aeroponic chamber, and wherein said first and second nozzles are further defined as being positioned in said aeroponic chamber. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein said first and second nozzles are further defined as being engaged with a first and second mast. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 5  wherein said first and second masts are further defined as being engaged with a carriage assembly. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 6  wherein said carriage assembly is further defined as being supported by a framework such that said carriage assembly is moveable with respect to said framework. 
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein said first and second nozzles are further defined as being engaged with a motive source. 
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 8  wherein said motive source is further defined as an electrical motor. 
     
     
         10 . A method of growing a crop in a controlled environment, said method comprising the steps of:
 a. arranging a first plurality of plants on a frame, wherein said frame is angled upward with respect to a horizontal plane and wherein said frame extends horizontally for a first distance;   b. positioning a first and a second nozzle beneath said frame, wherein said first and second nozzles are moveable with respect to said frame, wherein said first and second nozzles are in fluid communication with a supply line, and wherein a horizontal distance between said first and second nozzles is approximately equal to one half of said first distance;   c. providing a nutrient supply to said supply line, wherein said nutrient supply includes at least one nutrient said first plurality of plants require for growth;   d. pressurizing said nutrient supply such that said nutrient supply exits said first nozzle in a direction toward said first plurality of plants; and,   e. moving said first and second nozzles such that said nutrient supply exits said first nozzle in a direction toward a second plurality of plants, wherein said second plurality of plants is arranged on said frame adjacent said first plurality of plants.   
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 10  wherein said first and second nozzles are further defined as being moveable in a linear fashion with respect to said plurality of plants. 
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 10  wherein said frame is further defined as comprising two frame portions, and wherein said two frame portions are generally symmetrical about a vertical plane. 
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 12  wherein a chamber between said two frame portions is further defined as an aeroponic chamber, and wherein said first and second nozzles are further defined as being positioned in said aeroponic chamber. 
     
     
         14 . The method according to  claim 10  wherein said first and second nozzles are further defined as being engaged with a first and second mast. 
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 14  wherein said first and second masts are further defined as being engaged with a carriage assembly. 
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 15  wherein said carriage assembly is further defined as being supported by a framework such that said carriage assembly is moveable with respect to said framework. 
     
     
         17 . The method according to  claim 10  wherein said first and second nozzles are further defined as being engaged with a motive source. 
     
     
         18 . The method according to  claim 17  wherein said motive source is further defined as an electrical motor.