AU2017258843B2 - Frameworks and methodologies configured to enable soil-based production of plants - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to frameworks and methodologies configured to enable production of plants. Embodiments have been particularly developed to assist in the production of organic-certified food for human consumption. In overview, a recirculating aquaculture system is used to provide nutrients for a soil-based plant production system. 20 17 25 88 43 0 7 N ov 2 01 7

Description

2017258843 11 Sep 2023

FRAMEWORKS AND METHODOLOGIES CONFIGURED FRAMEWORKS AND METHODOLOGIES CONFIGURED TO ENABLE TO SOIL-BASED PRODUCTION ENABLE SOIL-BASED OF PLANTS PRODUCTION OF PLANTS FIELD FIELD OF OF THE THE INVENTION INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] TheThe present invention relates to frameworks and methodologies configured to 2017258843

present invention relates to frameworks and methodologies configured to

enable productionofofplants. enable production plants.Embodiments Embodimentshavehave been been particularly particularly developed developed to assist to assist in in the production the of organic-certified production of organic-certifiedfood foodfor forhuman human consumption. consumption.

BACKGROUND BACKGROUND

[0002]

[0002] AnyAny discussion discussion of background of the the background art throughout art throughout the specification the specification shouldshould in no in no

way be way beconsidered consideredasasananadmission admission thatsuch that suchartartisiswidely widely known knownororforms formspart partofof common general common general knowledge knowledge in the in the field. field.

[0003] Intensivecommercial

[0003] Intensive commercialfood foodproduction productionoperations operationsare areconstantly constantlyseeking seekingtoto enable the feeding enable the feedingofofplant plant life life and successful husbandry and successful husbandryof of livestock,thereby livestock, therebytotoreduce reduce overheads andprovide overheads and providehigh highquality quality produce produce inin ananefficient efficient manner. Forexample, manner. For example, hydroponic andaquaponic hydroponic and aquaponic methods methods are are known. known.

SUMMARY OFTHE SUMMARY OF THEINVENTION INVENTION

[0004] It isananobject

[0004] It is objectofofthe thepresent presentinvention inventiontotoovercome overcomeor or ameliorate ameliorate at at least least oneone of of

the disadvantages the disadvantages of the of the priorprior art, art, orprovide or to to provide a useful a useful alternative. alternative.

[0005]

[0005] In In a firstaspect, a first aspect, embodiments embodiments are provided are provided of a configured of a system system configured for soil- for soil-

based plant production, based plant production, the the system systemincluding: including:

-- a aRecirculating Recirculating Aquaculture Aquaculture System System in in which which one oneorormore moreaquatic aquaticspecies speciesare are housed; housed;

-- a a Solids Solids Filterconfigured Filter configured to enable to enable removal removal of from of waste waste thefrom the Recirculating Recirculating

AquacultureSystem; Aquaculture System;

-- a a Sequencing Sequencing Batch Batch Reactor, Reactor, configured configured to operate to operate in a multi-modal in a multi-modal manner,manner, the the reactor comprising: reactor comprising: (i) (i) a solid a solid settling settling tank, tank, configured configured to enable to enable batch separation batch separation

2 11 Sep 2023 2017258843 11 Sep 2023

of aa liquid of liquid and anda asolid solidcomponent component from from a sludge a sludge mixturemixture during specific during specific time time periods, said sludge periods, said sludgeincluding includingwaste waste from from the the recirculating recirculating aquaculture aquaculture system; system;

and (ii) an and (ii) aeration device, an aeration device,configured configuredto to enable enable batch batch aeration aeration of sludge of the the sludge mixture, and thereby mixture, and therebycause cause organic organic nutrient nutrient compounds compounds to move to move from from the the solids solids

component intothethe component into liquidcomponent liquid component of that of that mixture, mixture, during during time time periods periods other other

than during than during said said batch batchseparation separationmode, mode,thethe aeration aeration device device being being positionable positionable in in 2017258843

the solids the solids settling settlingtank tanktoto enable enablethe thebatch batchseparation separationand and batch batch aeration aeration modes of modes of

operation operation toto occur occur sequentially sequentially therein; therein;

- - a a Bioreactor configured to Bioreactor configured to process the liquid process the liquid component component inincombination combinationwith withone oneoror

more organicsupplements, more organic supplements,to to thereby thereby convert convert the the organic organic nutrient nutrient compounds compounds to to produce plant-available produce plant-available liquid liquid nutrients; nutrients;

- - a Solids Composting a Solids Composting System System and and Soil Soil Manufacturing Manufacturing System System configured configured to create to create

a a soil soilfrom from aa mixture mixture including includingthe thesolids solidscomponent; component; and and

- - a Soil Based a Soil PlantProduction Based Plant Production System System configured configured for plant for plant production, production, wherein wherein a a plurality pluralityofofplants plantsare: are:(i)(i) grown growninin soil created soil bybythe created Solids the SolidsComposting System Composting System

and SoilManufacturing and Soil Manufacturing System System andfed and (ii) (ii)the fedliquid the liquid nutrients, nutrients, whereinwherein the the separation separation of of liquidandand liquid solids solids components components in thesettling in the solids solids settling tank isout tank is carried carried out by anyone by any oneor or allall of of the the processes processes of flocculation, of flocculation, settling, settling, and sedimentation, and sedimentation, such such that the that the solids solidscomponent componentstillstill contains contains some some liquid liquid content. content.

[0006] In some

[0006] In some embodiments, embodiments, the filter the solids solids filter includes includes one orone moreorof: more of: filter, a drum a drum filter, sand filter, bead sand filter, filter, swirl bead filter, swirl separator, radialflow separator, radial flowseparator, separator, or lamella or lamella clarifier. clarifier.

[0007]

[0007] InInsome some embodiments, embodiments, the the soilsoil based based plant plant productionsystem production system is isconfigured configured such that aa backwash such that backwash cleaning cleaning of filterscauses of filters causes transportation transportation of of liquidsand liquids and suspended suspended

solids solids from the soil from the soil based plant production based plant production system systemtotothe thesequencing sequencing batch batch reactor reactor via via a a

backwashing operation. backwashing operation.

[0008] In some

[0008] In some embodiments, embodiments, the bioreactor the bioreactor has has the the following following features: features:

- input - inputliquid liquid is is received received from the recirculating from the recirculating aquaculture aquaculture system; system;

- additional - additionalinput inputliquid liquid is is received received from from the the sequencing batchreactor; sequencing batch reactor; and and

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- - input input of of organic organic supplements is received supplements is receivedfrom fromananorganic organicsupplement supplement supply supply mademade

up of organic up of organic supplements thatare supplements that areobtained obtainedfrom froma asource source externalofofthe external thesystem. system.

[0009] In some

[0009] In some embodiments, embodiments, the organic the organic supplements supplements include include one of: one or more or more of: organic organic

forms of forms of Nitrogen and/or Potassium, Nitrogen and/or Potassium,and/or and/orother otherplant-required plant-requirednutrients. nutrients.

[0010]

[0010] InInsome some embodiments, the bioreactor supports a biological reactionwhich which 2017258843

embodiments, the bioreactor supports a biological reaction transforms the transforms the input input liquids liquids and input organic and input organic supplements supplements into into a source a source of of liquidforforthe liquid the soil-based plant production soil-based plant system. production system.

[0011]

[0011] InInsome some embodiments, embodiments, the the sludge sludge mixture mixture including including waste waste produced produced by the by the aquatic animalsisisextracted aquatic animals extractedfrom fromthethe recirculatingaquaculture recirculating aquaculture system system using using the solids the solids

filter, and filter, and that that mixture is transported mixture is transportedtotothe thesequencing sequencing batchbatch reactor reactor where,where, batch batch aeration of the aeration of sludge mixture, the sludge mixture, and andbatch batchseparation separation of of thethe liquidcomponent liquid component and and solids solids

component component ofof thesludge the sludgemixture, mixture,occurs occurs during during sequential sequential time time periods periods

[0012]

[0012] In In some some embodiments, embodiments, the liquid the liquid component component from thefrom the sequencing sequencing batch reactor batch reactor

is is transported to the transported to the bioreactor bioreactorand, and,ininthe thebioreactor, bioreactor,thethe liquidcomponent liquid component from from the the

sequencing batch sequencing batch reactor reactor is combined is combined with additional with additional liquids liquids from thefrom the recirculating recirculating

aquaculture systemand aquaculture system and organic organic supplements supplements thereby thereby to create to create a liquid a liquid plant plant feed feed which which is is

delivered delivered to to the the soil-based soil-based plant plantproduction production system. system.

[0013] In some

[0013] In some embodiments, embodiments, the solids the solids component component from thefrom the sequencing sequencing batch reactor batch reactor

is is transported to aa solids transported to solids composting system, composting system, where where it iscombined it is combined withwith green green wastewaste to to form compost, form compost, wherein wherein the the green green waste wasteincludes includes green greenwaste wasteobtained obtainedfrom fromthe thesoil soil based plant production based plant production system system ,, and andwherein whereinthe thecompost compost is is transportedtotoa a transported soil soil manufacturing system manufacturing system to to produce produce soil, soil, which which is then is then transported transported to the to the soilsoil based based plantplant

production system, production system, where where it is it is used used to support to support the of the growth growth of plants. plants.

[0014]

[0014] In In a second a second aspect, aspect, embodiments embodiments are provided are provided of a method of a method configured configured for soil-for soil-

based plant production, based plant production, the the method methodincluding includingthe thesteps stepsof: of:

- operating - operating a recirculatingaquaculture a recirculating aquaculturesystem system in in which which oneone or more or more aquatic aquatic species species

are are housed; housed;

4 11 Sep 2023 2017258843 11 Sep 2023

- - operating aa solids operating solids filter filter configured configured to to enable removal ofof waste enable removal wastefrom from thethe

recirculating recirculatingaquaculture aquaculture system; system;

- operating - operating a asequencing sequencing batch batch reactor reactor in ainmulti-modal a multi-modal manner, manner, including including performing performing thethe steps steps of: of:

- operating operating a solids settlingtank, tank,configured configuredtotoenable enable batch separation of aofliquid a liquid 2017258843

- a solids settling batch separation

and aasolids and solids component component from from a sludge a sludge mixture mixture during during specific specific time time periods, periods, said said sludge including sludge including waste wastefrom fromthe therecirculating recirculating aquaculture system;and; aquaculture system; and;

- - operating an operating anaeration aerationdevice, device,configured configured to to enable enable batch batch aeration aeration of sludge of the the sludge mixture, and thereby mixture, and therebycause cause organic organic nutrient nutrient compounds compounds to move to move from from the the solids solids

component component intothe into theliquid liquid component component of of themixture, the mixture,during duringtime timeperiods periodsother otherthan than during said during said batch batchseparation separationmode, mode,thethe aeration aeration device device being being positionable positionable within within

the solids the solids settling settlingtank tanktoto enable enablethe thebatch batchseparation separationand and batch batch aeration aeration modes of modes of

operationtotooccur operation occur sequentially sequentially therein; therein;

- operating - operating a bioreactor a bioreactor configured configured to to process process the the liquid liquid component component in combination in combination

with one with oneorormore more organic organic supplements, supplements, to thereby to thereby convert convert the organic the organic nutrientnutrient

compounds compounds to to produce produce plant-available plant-available liquidnutrients; liquid nutrients;

- operating - operating a solidscomposting a solids composting system system and and soil soil manufacturing manufacturing system system configured configured to to create aa soil create soilfrom from aa mixture mixture including includingthe thesolids solidscomponent; component; and and

- operating - operating a soil a soil based based plant plant production production system system configured configured for production, for plant plant production, whereina plurality wherein a plurality of of plants plants are:are: (i) (i) grown grown in soil in soil created created by the by the composting solids solids composting systemandand system soil soil manufacturing manufacturing system system and (ii) and (ii) fed fed the thenutrients; liquid liquid nutrients;

whereinthe wherein thestep stepof of separating separatingthe theliquid liquid and solids components and solids components in in thesolids the solidssettling settling tank tank is carried is carried out by any out by anyone one or or allall of of thethe processes processes of flocculation,settling, of flocculation, settling, and and sedimentation, suchthat sedimentation, such that the the solids solids component still contains component still contains some liquid content. some liquid content.

[0015] In some

[0015] In some embodiments, embodiments, theofstep the step of operating operating the solids the solids filter filter includes includes usingusing one one

or more or more of:of: a drum a drum filter, filter, sandsand filter, filter, beadbead filter, filter, swirlswirl separator, separator, radial radial flow separator, flow separator, or or lamella clarifier. lamella clarifier.

5 11 Sep 2023 2017258843 11 Sep 2023

[0016]

[0016] InInsome some embodiments, embodiments, the the soil-based soil-based plant plant productionsystem production system is isconfigured configured such that aabackwash such that backwash cleaning cleaning of filterscauses of filters causes transportation transportation of liquid of liquid andand suspended suspended

solid solid from the soil from the soil based plant production based plant productionsystem systemto to the the sequencing sequencing batch batch reactor reactor via avia a

backwashing operation. backwashing operation.

[0017]

[0017] In In some some embodiments, embodiments, the the step of step of operating operating the bioreactor the bioreactor has the following has the following 2017258843

features: features:

- input - inputliquid liquid is is received received from the recirculating from the recirculatingaquaculture aquaculture system; system;

- additional - additionalinput inputliquid liquid is is received received from from the the sequencing batchreactor; sequencing batch reactor; and and

- input - inputofofsaid saidorganic organicsupplements supplements is received is received fromfrom an organic an organic supplement supplement supply supply

made made upup ofof organic organic supplements supplements thatthat are are obtained obtained from from a source a source external external of theof the

system. system.

[0018]

[0018] In In some some forms forms of this, of this, thethe input input of of thethe organic organic supplements supplements includes includes adding adding one one

or moreof: or more of:organic organic forms forms of Nitrogen of Nitrogen and/or and/or Potassium, Potassium, and/orplant-required and/or other other plant-required nutrients. nutrients.

[0019]

[0019] In In some some embodiments, embodiments, theof the step step of operating operating the bioreactor the bioreactor supports supports a biological a biological

reaction reaction which transformsthe which transforms theinput inputliquid liquid and input organic and input organic supplements supplements intoa asource into source of of

liquid liquid for for the the soil-based plantproduction soil-based plant production system. system.

[0020]

[0020] InInsome some embodiments, embodiments, the the sludge sludge mixture mixture including including waste waste produced produced by the by the

aquatic animalsisisextracted aquatic animals extractedfrom fromthethe recirculatingaquaculture recirculating aquaculture system system using using the solids the solids

filter, and filter, and that that mixture istransported mixture is transportedto to thethe sequencing sequencing batch reactor batch reactor where where batch batch aeration aeration of of the the sludge sludge mixture andbatch mixture and batchseparation separationofofthe theliquid liquid component component and and solids solids component component

of of the the sludge sludge mixture mixture occurs during sequential occurs during sequential time time periods. periods.

[0021] In some

[0021] In some embodiments, embodiments, the liquid the liquid component component from thefrom the sequencing sequencing batch reactor batch reactor

is is transported to the transported to the bioreactor bioreactorand, and,ininthe thebioreactor, bioreactor,thethe liquidcomponent liquid component from from the the

settling settling tank tank is iscombined with additional combined with additional liquid liquid from the recirculating from the recirculating aquaculture system aquaculture system

and organicsupplements and organic supplements thereby thereby to create to create a liquid a liquid plant plant feedfeed which which is delivered is delivered to the to the

soil-based plant production soil-based plant system. production system.

6 11 Sep 2023 2017258843 11 Sep 2023

[0022] In some

[0022] In some embodiments, embodiments, the solids the solids component component from thefrom the sequencing sequencing batch reactor batch reactor

is is transported to aa solids transported to solids composting system, composting system, where where it iscombined it is combined withwith green green wastewaste to to form compost, form compost, wherein wherein the the green green waste wasteincludes includes green greenwaste wasteobtained obtainedfrom fromthe thesoil soil based plant production based plant production system system ,, and andwherein whereinthe thecompost compost is is transportedtotoa a transported soil soil manufacturing system manufacturing system to to produce produce soil, soil, which which is then is then transported transported to the to the soilsoil based based plantplant

production system, production system, where where it is it is used used to support to support the of the growth growth of plants. plants. 2017258843

[0023] Reference throughout

[0023] Reference throughout this this specification specification toto “one "one embodiment”, “some embodiment", "some embodiments” embodiments" oror"an “anembodiment" embodiment” means means that athat a particular particular feature, feature, structure structure or or characteristic characteristic described in connection described in connectionwith withthe theembodiment embodiment is included is included in atinleast at least one one

embodiment embodiment ofofthe thepresent presentinvention. invention. Thus, Thus, appearances appearances of the of the phrases phrases “in one "in one embodiment”, “insome embodiment", "in some embodiments” embodiments" or an or "in “in embodiment" an embodiment” in various in various placesplaces throughout throughout

this specification this specification are are not not necessarily necessarily all allreferring referringtotothe thesame same embodiment, but embodiment, but may may be. be.

Furthermore, theparticular Furthermore, the particular features, features, structures structures or orcharacteristics characteristicsmay may be be combined combined ininany any suitable manner,asas suitable manner, would would be apparent be apparent to one to of one of ordinary ordinary skill in skill in the the art fromart from this this

disclosure, in disclosure, inone one or or more embodiments. more embodiments.

[0024]

[0024] As As usedused herein, herein, unless unless otherwise otherwise specified specified the usethe use ordinal of the of the adjectives ordinal adjectives "first", "first","second", "third", etc., "second", "third", etc., to to describe describe a common a common object, object, merely that merely indicate indicate that different different

instances of like instances of like objects objects are arebeing beingreferred referredto, to,and andareare notnot intended intended to imply to imply that that the the

objects so objects so described describedmust mustbebeinina agiven givensequence, sequence, either either temporally, temporally, spatially,inin ranking, spatially, ranking, or in or in any any other other manner. manner.

[0025] In the

[0025] In the claims claims below below and and the the description description herein, herein, any any one one of the of the terms terms comprising, comprising,

comprised of or comprised of or which which comprises comprises is is an an open openterm termthat thatmeans means includingatatleast including least the the elements/features that follow, elements/features that follow, but but not not excluding others. Thus, excluding others. Thus,the theterm termcomprising, comprising, when when

used in the used in the claims, claims, should not be should not be interpreted interpreted as as being being limitative limitative to tothe themeans or elements means or elements or or steps listed thereafter. steps listed thereafter. For For example, the scope example, the scopeofofthe theexpression expressiona a device device comprising comprising

A and A andBBshould shouldnot notbebelimited limitedtoto devices devicesconsisting consistingonly onlyof of elements elementsA Aand andB.B. AnyAny one one of of the terms the including or terms including or which includes or which includes or that that includes includes as as used hereinis used herein is also also an openterm an open term that also that also means means including including at at least least thethe elements/features elements/features that that follow follow the term, the term, but but not not excluding others. Thus, excluding others. Thus,including includingis is synonymous with synonymous with and and means means comprising. comprising.

[0026]

[0026] AsAs used used herein, herein, thethe term term “exemplary” "exemplary" is used is used in sense in the the sense of providing of providing examples, examples, asas opposed opposed to indicating to indicating quality. quality. ThatThat is, is, an “exemplary an "exemplary embodiment” embodiment" is an is an

7 11 Sep 2023 2017258843 11 Sep 2023

embodiment provided embodiment provided as as an an example, example, as opposed as opposed to necessarily to necessarily being being an embodiment an embodiment of of exemplary quality. exemplary quality.

BRIEF BRIEF DESCRIPTION OFTHE DESCRIPTION OF THEDRAWING DRAWING

[0027] Embodiments

[0027] Embodiments of theofinvention the invention willbenow will now be described, described, by way by way of only, of example example only, with reference with to the reference to the accompanying drawing accompanying drawing in in which: which: 2017258843

[0028] FIG.1 1

[0028] FIG. illustrates aa framework illustrates according to framework according to one one embodiment embodimentofofthe thepresent present disclosure. disclosure.

DETAILED DETAILED DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION

[0029] The

[0029] The present present inventionrelates, invention relates, in in various various embodiments, embodiments,totoframeworks frameworksand and methodologies configured to methodologies configured to enable enable production production of of plants. plants. Embodiments Embodimentshave have been been particularly particularly developed toassist developed to assistininthe theproduction production of of organic-certified organic-certified food food for for human human

consumption. consumption.

[0030]

[0030] An An example example framework framework is illustrated is illustrated in FIG. in FIG. 1. Provided 1. Provided below below is is of a list a list the of the

elements illustrated elements illustrated in in the the framework. framework.

 Box Box 11 represents representsaaRecirculating RecirculatingAquaculture AquacultureSystem. System.

 Box Box 2 2represents represents a Solids a Solids Filter Filter

 Box Box 33 represents representsa aSequencing Sequencing Batch Batch Reactor Reactor (SBR)(SBR) which,which, in part, in part, comprises comprises a a Solids Solids Settling Settling Tank Tank

 Box Box 44 represents representsaaBioreactor. Bioreactor.

 Box Box 55 represents representsananOrganic OrganicSupplement Supplement Supply. Supply.

 Box Box 66 represents representsaaSolids SolidsComposting Composting System. System.

 Box Box 77 represents representsaaSoil Soil Manufacturing ManufacturingSystem. System.

 Box Box 88 represents representsaaSoil Soil Based BasedPlant PlantProduction Production System. System.

8 11 Sep 2023 2017258843 11 Sep 2023

 Box Box 99 represents representsaaSoil/Compost Soil/Compost Supplement Supplement Supply. Supply.

 Line A represents Line A represents transportation transportation of of a mixture of a mixture of solid solid and and liquid liquid from from the the Recirculating Recirculating Aquaculture System Aquaculture System toto theSequencing the Sequencing Batch Batch Reactor. Reactor.

 Line Line BBrepresents represents transportation transportation of liquid of liquid fromfrom the Recirculating the Recirculating Aquaculture Aquaculture 2017258843

System System totothe theBioreactor. Bioreactor.

 Line Line C representstransportation C represents transportation of of liquid liquidfrom from the theSequencing BatchReactorto Sequencing Batch Reactortothe the Bioreactor. Bioreactor.

 Line Line DD represents represents transportation transportation of of organic organic supplements supplementsfrom fromthetheOrganic Organic Supplement Supply Supplement Supply to to the the Bioreactor. Bioreactor.

 Line Line EE represents representstransportation transportationofofsolids solidsfrom fromthe theSequencing Sequencing Batch Batch Reactorto Reactorto

the Solids the Solids Composting System. Composting System.

 Line Line FF represents representstransportation transportation of of composting composting material material fromComposting from the the Composting System System totothe theSoil Soil Manufacturing ManufacturingSystem. System.

 Line Line G representstransportation G represents transportationof of soil soil from from the the Soil Soil Manufacturing System Manufacturing System to to the the

Soil Soil Based Plant Production Based Plant ProductionSystem. System.

 Line H represents Line H represents transportation transportation of of green waste from green waste from the the Soil Soil Based BasedPlant Plant Production Systemtotothe Production System theSolids SolidsComposting Composting System. System.

 Line Line II represents represents transportation transportationofofliquid liquid from fromthe theBioreactor Bioreactorto tothethe Soil Soil Based Based

Plant Plant Production System. Production System.

 Line Line JJ represents representstransportation transportation ofofsupplements supplements fromfrom the Soil/Compost the Soil/Compost

Supplement Supply Supplement Supply to to the the SolidsComposting Solids Composting System. System.

 Line Line KKrepresents representstransportation transportation ofofsupplements supplements fromfrom the Soil/Compost the Soil/Compost

Supplement Supply Supplement Supply to to the the SoilManufacturing Soil Manufacturing System. System.

9 11 Sep 2023 2017258843 11 Sep 2023

 Line Line LL represents representstransportation transportationofofsediments sedimentsandand filterbackflush filter backflush from from thethe plant plant

production system. production system.

Recirculating Recirculating Aquaculture System Aquaculture System

[0031] Box

[0031] Box 1 represents 1 represents a RecirculatingAquaculture a Recirculating AquacultureSystem, System,being beinga asystem system here here 2017258843

aquatic aquatic animals are raised animals are raised in in one one orormore more tanks.Various tanks. Various forms forms of recirculating of recirculating aquaculture systems aquaculture systems areare known, known, withwith known known examples examples being suitable being suitable for widefor wideofrange of range

species. Exampleforms species. Example forms of of aquatic aquatic animals animals used used for for embodiments embodiments of present of the the present technology technology include, include, but but are are not limited not limited to: to:

 Fin fish species Fin fish suchas: species such as:Barramundi Barramundi (Lates (Lates calcarifer),Salmonids, calcarifer), Salmonids, Silver Silver perch perch

(Bidyanus bidyanus), Tilapia (Bidyanus bidyanus), Tilapia sp., sp., Jade Jade perch (Scortum barcoo), perch (Scortum barcoo), Murray Murraycod cod (Maccullochella peeli) (Maccullochella peeli)

 Crustacean speciessuch Crustacean species such as:as: Marron Marron (Cherax (Cherax sp.)sp.)

 Shell fish or Shell fish or mollusc. mollusc.

[0032] The

[0032] The aquaticspecies aquatic speciesare arepreferably preferably fed fed on on produce producederived derived from from commercial commercial aquaculture feedsources. aquaculture feed sources.These These include include specially specially formulated formulated feeds feeds tailored tailored to individual to individual

species to optimise species to optimiseproduction productionand and stock stock health. health. Exemplary Exemplary Ingredients Ingredients include: include: Marine Marine

Proteins (fish meal), Proteins (fish meal), Land animalproteins Land animal proteins(Poultry (Poultry meal, meal,feather feathermeal, meal,meat meat meal, meal, blood blood

meal), Vegetableproteins meal), Vegetable proteins(Lupin, (Lupin,Wheat, Wheat, soy), soy), Marine Marine Oils Oils (Fish(Fish oil),oil), LandLand animal animal oils oils

(Poultry (Poultry oil), oil),Vegetable oils (Canola), Vegetable oils carbohydrates(wheat, (Canola), carbohydrates (wheat, faba faba bean), bean), and and technical technical

additions additions totobalance balance nutritional nutritional needs. needs.

[0033]

[0033] InInoneone example example the aquatic the aquatic animals animals are Barramundi are Barramundi (Lates calcarifer). (Lates calcarifer). In this instance In this instance sourced sourced fingerlings(or(or fingerlings those those produced produced onsiteonsite via stock) via brood brood are stock) are provided the provided the infrastructure infrastructure for for production production collectively collectively known known as a recirculating as a recirculating aquaculture aquaculture

system (RAS). system (RAS). Here Here optimised optimised fish fish husbandry husbandry ensures ensures correctcorrect feed feed and and environmental environmental

conditions etcareare conditions etc provided provided to ensure to ensure healthy healthy fish growth. fish growth.

[0034]

[0034] InInanan example example embodiment, embodiment, the the recirculating aquaculture recirculating aquaculture system system is is operated operated based based onon thethe following following lifelife cycle cycle for for Barramundi Barramundi species. species. Initially, Initially, ~1 month~1 oldmonth old fingerlings fingerlings

are introduced to are introduced to a quarantine system a quarantine system for for aa monitoring monitoring period period of of 3-4 3-4 weeks weeksfor fora a

10 11 Sep 2023 2017258843 11 Sep 2023

monitoring phase.UponUpon monitoring phase. successful successful completion completion of the of the monitoring monitoring phase, phase, the the fish are fish are

moved moved totoa aseries seriesofofproduction production tanks tanks forfor a duration a duration of of ~5 ~5 months months (or more). (or more). The time The time

period is in period is in some embodiments some embodiments selected selected suchsuch that that the the fishfish attain attain a harvest a harvest size size at at which which

they are they are suitable suitable for for human consumption. human consumption. In further In further embodiments, embodiments, alternate alternate approaches approaches

are tailored for are tailored for other other aquaculture aquaculture species species (for (for example other commercially example other commercially viable viable aquaculture species). aquaculture species). 2017258843

Solids Filter Solids Filter

[0035]

[0035] BoxBox 2 represents 2 represents a Solids a Solids Filter. Filter. The Solids The Solids Filter Filter is configured is configured to extract to extract a a mixture of liquid mixture of liquid and andsolids solidsfrom from thethe Recirculating Recirculating Aquaculture Aquaculture System. System. The solids The solids

component component of of themixture the mixture ofof liquidand liquid andsolids solidsisis substantially substantially made made upupofofwaste waste produced produced

by the aquatic by the aquatic animals animals(but (butmay may include include other other solids solids from from thethe Recirculating Recirculating Aquaculture Aquaculture

System). Various System). Various forms forms of infrastructure of infrastructure maymay be used be used to perform to perform the of the role role theofSolids the Solids filter, including filter, butnot including but notlimited limited to: to: micro-screen micro-screen filter,filter, drum disc drum filter, filter,filters, disc filters, belt belt filter, filter, wedge-wire wedge-wire filter,screen filter, screen filter, filter, sand sand filter, filter, beadbead filter, filter, granular granular filter, filter, porous porous media media filter, filter, cartridge filter, swirl cartridge filter, separator,radial swirl separator, radial flow flow separator, separator, lamella lamella clarifier, clarifier, settling settling tank/basin, tank/basin,

sedimentation tank/basin,tube sedimentation tank/basin, tubesettlers, settlers, or orhydrocyclones. hydrocyclones.

[0036]

[0036] TheThe mixture mixture of liquid of liquid and and solids solids extracted extracted by Solids by the the Solids Filter Filter is transported is transported to to

the Sequencing the Batch Sequencing Batch Reactor Reactor (SBR), (SBR), as shown as shown by A, by Line Line A,isand and is received received into Solids into the the Solids Settling Tankportion Settling Tank portion thereof. thereof.

[0037]

[0037] An An example example form form of of solids solids filterfilter includes, includes, but but is not is not limited limited to:to:drum drum filter, sand filter, sand filter, bead filter, filter, swirl bead filter, swirlseparator, separator, radial flow separator, radial flow separator,lamella lamella clarifier. clarifier.

[0038] Sequencing Batch

[0038] Sequencing Batch Reactor Reactor (SBR) (SBR) Box Box 3 3represents represents aa Sequencing Sequencing Batch Batch Reactor (or SBR) Reactor (or SBR)which which comprises comprises a Solids a Solids Settling Settling Tank Tank configured configured to have to have an aeration an aeration

device positionabletherewithin. device positionable therewithin.ThisThis allows allows operation operation ofSBR of the theinSBR in a multi-modal a multi-modal

manner, aswill manner, as will be described. be described.

[0039]

[0039] In In oneone mode mode the Solids the Solids Settling Settling Tank, Tank, in broad in broad terms, terms, causes/allows causes/allows the mixture the mixture

of of solids andliquid solids and liquidextracted extractedby by the the Solids Solids Filter Filter to separate to separate into a into a liquid liquid component component and a and a solids solids component. The component. The solidscomponent solids component may may stillstill contain contain some some liquid liquid content. content.

11 11 Sep 2023 2017258843 11 Sep 2023

[0040]

[0040] TheThe Solids Solids Settling Settling Tank Tank portion portion of the of the SBR SBR of present of the the present embodiment embodiment has thehas the

followingfunctional following functionalfeatures: features:

 TheSolids The SolidsSettling Settling Tank Tankcauses/allows causes/allows thethe mixture mixture of solids of solids andand liquid liquid extracted extracted

by the Solids by the Solids Filter Filter to to separate into aa liquid separate into liquid component and component and a solidscomponent. a solids component. Thesolids The solids component component may may stillcontain still containsome some liquidcontent; liquid content;and and 2017258843

 The Solids The Solids Settling Settling Tank maycarry Tank may carry out out any anyone one or or allallofofthe theprocesses processesofof flocculation, settling, flocculation, settling, and andsedimentation, sedimentation, to achieve to achieve this separation. this separation.

[0041] Beyond

[0041] Beyond the functional the functional features features specified specified above, above, the the SBR SBR of theofframework the framework is notis not

limited limited by referencetotoany by reference anyparticular particularform form of of Solids Solids Settling Settling Tank Tank Various Various forms of forms of

infrastructure may infrastructure may be be usedused to perform to perform theofrole the role of theSettling the Solid Solid Settling Tank, including Tank, including various various known forms known forms of of settlingbasins settling basins and and clarifiers. clarifiers. No matter No matter the chosen, the form form chosen, the liquid the liquid

component component is isextracted extractedfrom from the the Solids Solids SettlingTank Settling Tank portion portion of of theSBR the SBR and and transported transported

to the to the Bioreactor Bioreactor (see (see Line Line C). Thesolids C). The solids component component is is extracted extracted from from the the Solids Solids Settling Settling

Tankportion Tank portion of of the the SBR, andtransported SBR, and transportedtotothe theSolids SolidsComposting Composting System System (see(see LineLine E). E).

[0042] Another

[0042] Another mode mode of operation of operation of ofthe theSequencing Sequencing Batch Batch Reactor Reactor (SBR) (SBR) involves involves

using the aeration using the aeration device devicetotoperform performother otherfunctions functionsininthe theSolids SolidsSettling SettlingTank Tank (Box (Box 3).3).

For example,the For example, theSBR SBR can can be operated be operated in a multi-modal in a multi-modal manner, manner, therebythereby to operate to operate as as settling settlingtank tank during during specific specifictime timeperiods, periods,and and as as an an aeration aeration device during other device during other periods. periods. TheSBR The SBRin in thepresent the presentframework framework can can be operated be operated in a in a batch batch mode mode with aeration, with aeration, and inand in a sludge settlement a sludge settlementmode, mode, both both occurring occurring in the in the same same tank tank so that so that the mixture the mixture of solids of solids

and liquid sludge and liquid sludge which whichisisplaced placedin inthe theSolids Solids SettlingTank Settling Tank is is aerated aerated for for a period a period of of

time, and time, subsequentlyseparated and subsequently separated into into a a liquidcomponent liquid componentandand a solids a solids component component duringduring

another, sequential another, sequential time time period. period.

Solids SolidsComposting Composting System System

[0043] Box

[0043] Box 6 representsaaSolids 6 represents Solids Composting System. The Composting System. TheSolids Solids Composting CompostingSystem System is is aa composting systemthat composting system thatforms formscompost compost from from at at least least thefollowing the followinginput inputsources: sources:

 Thesolids The solidscomponent component extracted extracted and transported and transported from from the the Solids Solids SettlingSettling Tank Tank portion portion of of the theSBR (see Line SBR (see Line E); E); and and

12 11 Sep 2023 2017258843 11 Sep 2023

 Green andsoil Green and soilwaste wastegenerated generated by the by the SoilSoil Based Based PlantPlant Production Production System System (see (see

Line H). Line H).

[0044] Compost

[0044] Compost formed formed by the by the Solids Solids Composting Composting System System is transported is transported to to thethe Soil Soil Manufacturing System Manufacturing System (see (see Line Line F).F). 2017258843

[0045] The

[0045] The SolidsComposting Solids CompostingSystem System may may also also receivesupplements receive supplementssourced sourcedfrom from the the Soil/Compost Supplement Soil/Compost Supplement Supply Supply (see(see Box Box 9 and9Line and J). LineThe J). Soil/Compost The Soil/Compost Supplement Supplement

Supply is made Supply is madeupupofofsupplements supplements that that areare obtained obtained exclusively exclusively from from a source a source external external of of

the Framework, the and Framework, and maymay include include the the likes likes of:of: woodchips; woodchips; coconut coconut husk; husk; sand;sand; bark;bark; peat;peat;

saw dust;compost; saw dust; compost; vermicompost; vermicompost; zeolites; zeolites; rock rock phosphates; phosphates; meat/bone/blood/feather meat/bone/blood/feather

meals; manures; meals; manures; soil; soil; clays; clays; lime; lime; dolomite. dolomite.

Soil Soil Manufacturing System Manufacturing System

[0046]

[0046] BoxBox 7 represents 7 represents a Soil a Soil Manufacturing Manufacturing System. System. The The Soil Soil Manufacturing Manufacturing System System

creates creates soil soil using using compost compost created created by the Solids by the Solids Composting System.This Composting System. This soilisis soil provided to the provided to the Soil Soil Based Based Plant Plant Production Production System. System. For example, For example, the soilthe soil ingredient ingredient

components are components are turned turned andand mixed mixed via via auger, auger, tractor tractor or or other other machinery machinery as known as is is known in the in the

art. art.

[0047]

[0047] TheThe SoilSoil Manufacturing Manufacturing System System mayreceive may also also receive supplements supplements sourced sourced from the from the

Soil/Compost Supplement Soil/Compost Supplement Supply Supply (see(see Box Box 9 and9 Line and Line K).Soil/Compost K). The The Soil/Compost Supplement Supplement

Supply is made Supply is madeupupofofsupplements supplements that that areare obtained obtained exclusively exclusively from from a source a source external external of of

the framework, the framework,and andmay may include include thethe likes likes of:of: woodchips; woodchips; coconut coconut husk; husk; sand; sand; bark;bark; peat;peat;

saw dust;compost; saw dust; compost; vermicompost; vermicompost; zeolites; zeolites; rock rock phosphates; phosphates; meat/bone/blood/feather meat/bone/blood/feather

meals; manures; meals; manures; soil; soil; clays; clays; lime; lime; dolomite. dolomite.

Bioreactor Bioreactor

[0048]

[0048] BoxBox 4 represents 4 represents a Bioreactor. a Bioreactor. The Bioreactor The Bioreactor hasfollowing has the the following features: features:

[0049] Input

[0049] Input liquidisisreceived liquid receivedfrom fromthe theRecirculating RecirculatingAquaculture Aquaculture System System (see(see LineLine B). B).

[0050] Additional

[0050] Additional input input liquidisistransported liquid transportedand and received received from from thethe Solids Solids Settling Settling Tank Tank

portion portion of of the theSBR (see Line SBR (see Line C). C).

13 11 Sep 2023 2017258843 11 Sep 2023

[0051] Input

[0051] Input of of organic organic supplements supplements is received is received fromOrganic from the the Organic Supplement Supplement Supply Supply

(see Box 55 and (see Box andLine LineD). D).TheThe Organic Organic Supplement Supplement Supply Supply is made is made up of organic up of organic supplements thatare supplements that areobtained obtained exclusively exclusively from from a source a source external external of the of the framework, framework, and and

may includeorganic may include organicsupplements supplements suchsuch as organic as organic forms forms of Nitrogen of Nitrogen and/or and/or Potassium, Potassium,

and/or otherplant-required and/or other plant-required nutrients. nutrients. 2017258843

[0052]

[0052] TheThe Bioreactor Bioreactor supports supports a biological a biological reaction reaction whichwhich transforms transforms the liquid the input input liquid and input organic and input organic supplements supplements intoa asource into source of of liquidfor liquid forthe the Soil Soil Based BasedPlant PlantProduction Production System. The System. The bioreactor bioreactor is is optionallyselected optionally selectedfrom from known known bioreactors bioreactors adapted adapted for in for use use in the conversion the conversionofof organic organiccompounds compoundsintointo plant plant available available nutrients,such nutrients, such as as transforming transforming

organic formsofof nitrogen organic forms nitrogen such suchasasamino amino acids, acids, intoplant into plantuseable useable forms forms like like ammonia ammonia or or

nitrate. nitrate.

Soil Soil Based Plant Production Based Plant ProductionSystem System

[0053]

[0053] BoxBox 8 represents 8 represents a Soil a Soil Based Based Plant Plant Production Production System. System. The SoilThe Soil Based Based Plant Plant

Production System Production System has has the the followingfeatures: following features:

 Plants are grown Plants are grownininsoil. soil. This This soilincludes soil includessoil soilprovided providedfrom from thethe SoilSoil Manufacturing System Manufacturing System (see (see Line Line H).H).

 The Soil The Soil Based BasedPlant PlantProduction ProductionSystem Systemis isdelivered deliveredliquid liquid provided provided by by the the Bioreactor (seeLine Bioreactor (see LineI), I), and andthis thisisisdelivered deliveredtotothethe plants plants forfor example example via an via an

irrigation irrigation tank andother tank and other irrigationinfrastructure. irrigation infrastructure.

 At least At least aa portion portion of of green wastefrom green waste fromthe theSoil SoilBased Based Plant Plant Production Production System System is is provided to the provided to the Solids Solids Composting System Composting System (see (see Line Line H).H).

 AnyLiquid Any Liquid material material outputted outputted by by the the Soil Soil Based PlantProduction Based Plant ProductionSystem Systemis is treated treated

as waste,and as waste, andunder under normal normal circumstances circumstances comprises comprises only ofonly the of the volumes small small volumes transported with transported with green greenwaste wasteto to the the Solids Solids Composting Composting System. System. Specifically, Specifically, no no liquid liquidfrom from the the Soil SoilBased Based Plant Plant Production Systemisisprovided Production System providedtotothe theRecirculating Recirculating AquacultureSystem. Aquaculture System.

[0054]

[0054] In In thethe illustratedFramework, illustrated Framework,the the SoilSoil Based Based PlantPlant Production Production System System is set is upset up

in in such such aa manner manner thata abackwash that backwash cleaning cleaning of filters of filters causes causes transportation transportation of liquid of liquid andand

14 11 Sep 2023 2017258843 11 Sep 2023

suspended solidsfrom suspended solids fromthe theSoil SoilBased Based Plant Plant Production Production System System to the to the Solids Solids Settling Settling Tank Tank

portion portion of of the the SBR via aa backwashing SBR via operation backwashing operation (see (see Line Line J).J).This This is isa apreferred, preferred,but butnon- non- essential essential aspect of the aspect of the framework. framework.

Summary Summary ofof Operation Operation

[0055]

[0055] TheThe framework relates in broad terms terms to useto ofuse of an aquaculture production unit 2017258843

framework relates in broad an aquaculture production unit

to provide to provide liquid liquidfeed feedand and compost to aa soil compost to soil based plant production based plant production system. system.

[0056] Aquaticanimals

[0056] Aquatic animalsare aregrown grown in inthe theRecirculating Recirculating Aquaculture Aquaculture System System (Box (Box1), 1), wherethey where theyare arehoused housedininwater waterobtained obtained exclusively exclusively from from external external sources. sources.

[0057] A mixture

[0057] A mixture including including waste waste produced produced byaquatic by the the aquatic animals animals is extracted is extracted from the from the

Recirculating RecirculatingAquaculture Aquaculture System using the System using the Solids Solids Filter Filter (Box (Box 2). Themixture 2). The mixtureisis transported (see transported (seeLine LineA)A)to to thethe Solids Solids Settling Settling Tank Tank portion portion of Sequencing of the the Sequencing Batch Batch Reactor (SBR)(Box Reactor (SBR) (Box 3).3). When When the is the SBR SBR is operating operating in theinbatch the batch separation separation mode, , the mode, the

mixture is separated mixture is into aa liquid separated into liquidcomponent anda asolids component and solids component componentin in the the SolidsSettling Solids Settling Tank. When Tank. When the the SBR SBR is operating is operating in batch in the the batch aeration aeration mode, mode, organicorganic nutrient nutrient compounds move compounds move from from the solids the solids component component into theinto the component liquid liquid component of the mixture. of the mixture.

Thesetwo These twomodes modesof of operation operation of of thethe SBR SBR are are conducted conducted during during sequential sequential time time periods. periods.

[0058]

[0058] TheThe liquid liquid component component from from theis the SBR SBR is transported transported (seeC) (see Line Line to C) thetoBioreactor the Bioreactor (Box 4). In (Box 4). In the the Bioreactor, Bioreactor, the the liquid liquidcomponent fromthe component from the SBR SBRisiscombined combined with with additional additional

liquid liquid from from the the Recirculating AquacultureSystem Recirculating Aquaculture System (see (see lineline B) B) and and organic organic supplements supplements

(see Box44and (see Box andLine LineD). D).This This creates creates a liquidplant a liquid plantfeed feedwhich whichisisdelivered delivered(see (seeLine LineI)I) to to the Soil the Soil Based Plant Production Based Plant ProductionSystem System (Box (Box 8).8).

[0059] The

[0059] The solidscomponent solids component from from thethe SBRSBR is transported is transported (see (see Line Line E)E) totoa aSolids Solids Composting System Composting System (Box (Box 6), 6), where where it iscombined it is combined withwith green green waste waste to form to form compost. compost. The The green waste green wasteincludes includesgreen green waste waste obtained obtained fromfrom the the SoilSoil Based Based PlantPlant Production Production System System

(See LineH). (See Line H). That Thatcompost compost is transported is transported (see(see LineLine F)atoSoil F) to a Soil Manufacturing Manufacturing System System

(Box 7) to (Box 7) to produce producesoil. soil. That That soilisisthen soil thentransported transported(see (see Line Line G) G) to Soil to Soil Based Based PlantPlant

Production System,where Production System, whereit itis is used usedtotosupport supportthe thegrowth growthofofplants. plants.

[0060]

[0060] ItItshould shouldbe be appreciated appreciated that that in above in the the above description description of exemplary of exemplary embodiments embodiments of of thethe invention, invention, various various features features of of thethe invention invention areare sometimes sometimes grouped grouped

15 11 Sep 2023 2017258843 11 Sep 2023

together in together in a single embodiment, a single embodiment,FIG., FIG.,orordescription description thereof thereof for for the the purpose purposeofof streamlining the disclosure streamlining the disclosure and andaiding aiding in in the the understanding understandingofofone oneorormore moreof of thethe various various

inventive aspects. This inventive aspects. This method method of disclosure, of disclosure, however, however, is be is not to notinterpreted to be interpreted as as reflecting anintention reflecting an intentionthat thatthe the claimed claimed invention invention requires requires more features more features than are expressly than are expressly

recited in each recited in eachclaim. claim. Rather, Rather, as theas the following following claims reflect, claims reflect, inventiveinventive aspects aspects lie in less lie in less

than all than all features features of of aa single single foregoing foregoing disclosed disclosed embodiment. Thus, embodiment. Thus, the the claims claims following following 2017258843

the Detailed the Detailed Description Description are are hereby herebyexpressly expresslyincorporated incorporated intothis into thisDetailed DetailedDescription, Description, with each with claim standing each claim standingon onits its own asaaseparate own as separateembodiment embodiment of this of this invention. invention.

[0061]

[0061] In In the the description description provided provided herein, herein, numerous numerous specific specific details details are are set forth. set forth.

However, However, itit is is understood understoodthat thatembodiments embodiments of invention of the the invention may may be be practiced practiced without without

these specific these specific details. details. In Inother otherinstances, instances,well-known methods,structures well-known methods, structuresand andtechniques techniques have not been have not beenshown shownin in detailinin order detail order not not to to obscure anunderstanding obscure an understandingofofthis thisdescription. description.

[0062] Thus,while

[0062] Thus, whilethere therehas hasbeen beendescribed describedwhat whatare arebelieved believedtotobebethe thepreferred preferred embodiments of invention, embodiments of the the invention, those skilled those skilled in the in the art willart will recognize recognize that otherthat and other furtherand further

modifications may modifications may be made be made theretothereto without without departingdeparting from of from the spirit thethe spirit of the and invention, invention, it and it is is intended to claim intended to claim all allsuch such changes andmodifications changes and modificationsasas fallingwithin falling within the the scope scopeofofthe the invention. For example, invention. For example,any any formulas formulas given given above above are merely are merely representative representative of of procedures that may procedures that maybebeused. used.

16 11 Sep 2023 2017258843 11 Sep 2023

Claims: Claims:

1. 1. A system A systemconfigured configuredfor forsoil-based soil-basedplant plant production, production, the the system systemincluding: including:

- a arecirculating - recirculatingaquaculture aquaculture system system in which in which one one or more or more aquatic aquatic species species are are housed; housed; 2017258843

- a asolids - solidsfilter filter configured configuredtotoenable enable removal removal of waste of waste fromrecirculating from the the recirculating aquaculture system; aquaculture system;

- a asequencing - sequencing batch batch reactor, reactor, configured configured to operate to operate in a multi-modal in a multi-modal manner,manner,

the reactor the reactor comprising: comprising:

(i) (i) a solid settling a solid settling tank, tank, configured to enable configured to enablebatch batch separation separation of aof a

liquid liquid and and a a solid solid component from component from a sludge a sludge mixture mixture during during specific specific

time periods, time periods, said saidsludge sludge including including waste waste from from the recirculating the recirculating

aquaculture system;and aquaculture system; and

(ii) (ii)an an aeration device, configured aeration device, configuredtotoenable enable batch batch aeration aeration of theof the

sludge mixture, and sludge mixture, andthereby thereby cause cause organic organic nutrient nutrient compounds compounds to to move fromthethesolids move from solidscomponent component into into the the liquid liquid component component of that of that

mixture, mixture, during during time time periods periods other other than during said than during said batch separation batch separation

mode, mode,

the aeration the aeration device device being beingpositionable positionableinin the the solids solids settling settling tank tank to to enable the enable the

batch separationand batch separation andbatch batch aeration aeration modes modes of operation of operation to occur to occur sequentially sequentially

therein; therein;

- a abioreactor - bioreactor configured configured to to process process the the liquid liquid component component in combination in combination with with one ormore one or more organic organic supplements, supplements, to thereby to thereby convertconvert the organic the organic nutrient nutrient

compounds compounds to to produce produce plant-available plant-available liquidnutrients; liquid nutrients;

- a asolids - solidscomposting compostingsystem system andand soil soil manufacturing manufacturing system system configured configured to to create a soil create a soilfrom from aa mixture mixture including includingthe thesolids solidscomponent; component; and and

- a asoil - soilbased basedplant plantproduction productionsystem system configured configured for for plant plant production, production, wherein wherein a a plurality plurality of of plants are:(i) plants are: (i) grown grown ininsoil soilcreated createdby by the the solids solids composting composting system system

and soilmanufacturing and soil manufacturing system system and and (ii) fed(ii) fed the the liquid liquid nutrients; nutrients;

17 11 Sep 2023 2017258843 11 Sep 2023

whereinthe wherein theseparation separationofofliquid liquidand andsolids solidscomponents components in solids in the the solids settling settling

tankisis carried tank carriedoutout by by any any one one or allor of all theof the processes processes of flocculation, of flocculation, settling, settling, and sedimentation,such and sedimentation, such that that thethe solids solids component component stillstill contains contains somesome liquid liquid

content. content.

2. 2. A system A systemaccording accordingto to claim1,1,wherein claim wherein thethe solidsfilter solids filter includes oneor includes one or more moreof: of:aa 2017258843

drum filter, sand drum filter, sandfilter, filter, bead bead filter,swirl filter, swirlseparator, separator, radial radial flow flow separator, separator, or lamella or lamella

clarifier. clarifier.

3. 3. A system A systemaccording accordingto to claim claim 1, 1, wherein wherein thethe soilbased soil based plant plant production production system system is is configured suchthat configured such that aa backwash backwash cleaning cleaning of of filters causes filters causestransportation transportationofof liquids liquids and suspendedsolids and suspended solidsfrom fromthethe soilbased soil based plant plant production production system system to the to the sequencing batchreactor sequencing batch reactorvia viaaabackwashing backwashing operation. operation.

4. 4. A system A systemaccording accordingtotoclaim claim1,1,wherein whereinthe thebioreactor bioreactorhas hasthe thefollowing followingfeatures: features:

- input - inputliquid liquid is is received received from the recirculating from the recirculatingaquaculture aquaculture system; system;

- additional - additionalinput inputliquid liquid is is received received from from the the sequencing batchreactor; sequencing batch reactor; and and

- input - inputofoforganic organicsupplements supplements is received is received from from an organic an organic supplement supplement supply supply made made upup ofof organic organic supplements supplements that that are are obtained obtained from from a source a source external external of of the system. the system.

5. 5. A system A systemaccording according to to claim claim 4, 4, wherein wherein the the organic organic supplements supplements include include one or one or more of: organic more of: organicforms formsofofNitrogen Nitrogenand/or and/or Potassium, Potassium, and/or and/or other other plant-required plant-required

nutrients. nutrients.

6. 6. A system A system according according to claim to claim 1, wherein 1, wherein the bioreactor the bioreactor supportssupports a biological a biological

reaction whichtransforms reaction which transformsthe theinput inputliquids liquidsand andinput inputorganic organic supplements supplements into into a a source source ofofliquid liquidfor forthe thesoil-based soil-based plant plant production production system. system.

7. 7. A system A systemaccording accordingtotoclaim claim1,1,wherein whereinthe thesludge sludgemixture mixtureincluding includingwaste waste produced produced byby the the aquatic aquatic animals animals is extracted is extracted fromfrom the recirculating the recirculating aquaculture aquaculture

system usingthe system using thesolids solidsfilter, filter, and that mixture and that mixture isis transported transportedtotothe thesequencing sequencing batch reactor where, batch reactor where,batch batchaeration aerationofof the the sludge sludgemixture, mixture,and andbatch batchseparation separation of of

18 11 Sep 2023 2017258843 11 2023

the liquid the liquid component and component and solids solids component component of sludge of the the sludge mixture, mixture, occurs occurs duringduring

sequential time periods sequential time periods Sep

8. 8. A system A systemaccording accordingtoto claim7,7,wherein claim wherein the the liquidcomponent liquid component from from the the sequencing sequencing

batch reactor isis transported batch reactor transportedtotothe thebioreactor bioreactor and, and, in in thethe bioreactor, bioreactor, the the liquid liquid

component from component from thethe sequencing sequencing batchbatch reactor reactor is combined is combined with additional with additional liquids liquids 2017258843

from the from therecirculating recirculating aquaculture aquaculturesystem system and and organic organic supplements supplements thereby thereby to to create create aa liquid liquid plant plant feed feed which whichis isdelivered deliveredto to thethe soil-based soil-based plant plant production production

system. system.

9. 9. A system A systemaccording accordingto to claim claim 7 or 7 or claim claim 8, 8, wherein wherein thethe solids solids component component from from the the sequencing batchreactor sequencing batch reactorisistransported transportedtotoaasolids solids composting composting system, system, where where it is it is

combined withgreen combined with green waste waste to form to form compost, compost, wherein wherein the waste the green greenincludes waste includes green waste green wasteobtained obtained from from thethe soil soil based based plant plant production production system system , and, wherein and wherein the compost the compost isis transported transportedto to aa soil soil manufacturing systemtotoproduce manufacturing system produce soil,which soil, whichisis then transported then transportedtotothe thesoil soil based basedplant plantproduction production system, system, where where it is itused is used to to support thegrowth support the growth of plants. of plants.

10. A method 10. A method configured configured for for soil-basedplant soil-based plantproduction, production, the the method methodincluding including the the steps of: steps of:

- operating - operating a recirculating a recirculating aquaculture aquaculture system system in which in which one orone moreor more aquatic aquatic species are housed; species are housed;

- operating - operating a asolids solids filter filter configured configuredtotoenable enable removal removal of of waste from the waste from the recirculating recirculatingaquaculture aquaculture system; system;

- operating - operating a asequencing sequencingbatch batch reactorinina amulti-modal reactor multi-modalmanner, manner, including including performing performing thethe steps steps of: of:

(i) (i) operating operating aa solids solids settling settling tank, tank, configured configured to to enable batchseparation enable batch separation a liquid and a liquid a solids and a solids component from component from a sludge a sludge mixture mixture during during specific specific

time periods, time periods, said said sludge sludge including including waste wastefrom fromthethe recirculating recirculating aquaculture system;and; aquaculture system; and;

(ii) (ii) operating an aeration operating an aeration device, device, configured configuredto to enable enablebatch batchaeration aerationofof the the sludge mixture, and sludge mixture, andthereby therebycause causeorganic organic nutrientcompounds nutrient compounds to move to move

19 11 Sep 2023 2017258843 11 Sep 2023

from the from thesolids solids component componentintointo the the liquid liquid component component of theofmixture, the mixture, during time periods during time other than periods other during said than during said batch separation mode, batch separation mode,

the aeration the aeration device device being beingpositionable positionablewithin within the thesolids solids settling settling tank tank to to enable enable

the batch the batch separation separation and andbatch batchaeration aerationmodes modes of operation of operation to occur to occur

sequentially therein; sequentially therein; 2017258843

- operating - operating a abioreactor bioreactorconfigured configuredto toprocess process the the liquid liquid component component in in combination withone combination with one or or more more organic organic supplements, supplements, to thereby to thereby convert convert the the organic nutrient compounds organic nutrient compounds toto produce produce plant-available plant-available liquidnutrients; liquid nutrients;

- operating - operating a asolids solidscomposting composting system system and manufacturing and soil soil manufacturing system system configured to create configured to create a a soil soilfrom from aamixture mixture including includingthe thesolids solidscomponent; component; and and

- operating - operating a soilbased a soil based plantproduction plant production system system configured configured for for plant plant production, production,

whereina aplurality wherein pluralityofofplants plantsare: are: (i)(i)grown grown in soil in soil created created bysolids by the the solids composting systemand composting system andsoil soilmanufacturing manufacturingsystem systemandand (ii)fed (ii) fedthe theliquid liquid nutrients; nutrients;

whereinthe wherein thestep stepof ofseparating separating the the liquid liquid and and solids solids components components in the in the solids solids settling settling tank tank is is carried out by carried out by any anyoneone or or all all of of thethe processes processes of flocculation, of flocculation,

settling, settling,and and sedimentation, suchthat sedimentation, such thatthe thesolids solidscomponent component stillstill contains contains somesome

liquid liquid content. content.

11. 11. A method A method according according to 10, to claim claim 10, wherein wherein the step the step of operating of operating the solidsthe solids filter filter includes using includes using oneone or more or more of: a of: druma filter, drum filter, sand filter, sand filter, bead filter, bead filter, swirl separator, swirl separator,

radial flow separator, radial flow separator,oror lamella lamella clarifier. clarifier.

12. 12. A method A method according according to claim to claim 10, wherein 10, wherein the soil-based the soil-based plant plant production production systemsystem is is configured such configured suchthat thataabackwash backwash cleaning cleaning of filterscauses of filters causes transportation transportation ofof liquid liquid

and suspendedsolid and suspended solidfrom from thethe soil soil based based plant plant production production system system to the to the sequencing batchreactor sequencing batch reactorvia viaaabackwashing backwashing operation. operation.

13. 13. A method A method according according to claim to claim 10, wherein 10, wherein theofstep the step of operating operating the bioreactor the bioreactor has has the following the followingfeatures: features:

- input - inputliquid liquid is is received from the received from the recirculating recirculating aquaculture aquaculture system; system;

- additional - additionalinput inputliquid liquid is is received received from from the the sequencing batchreactor; sequencing batch reactor; and and

20 11 Sep 2023 2017258843 11 Sep 2023

- input - input of of said said organic organic supplements supplements is is received received from from an an organic organic supplement supplement supply supply made made upupofoforganic organicsupplements supplementsthat thatare areobtained obtainedfrom froma a source source external ofthe external of thesystem. system.

14. 14. A method A method according according to claim to claim 13, wherein 13, wherein the organic the organic supplements supplements include include one or one or more of: organic more of: organicforms formsofofNitrogen Nitrogenand/or and/or Potassium, Potassium, and/or and/or other other plant-required plant-required 2017258843

nutrients. nutrients.

15. A method 15. A method according according to claim to claim 10, 10, wherein wherein the the step step of of operating operating thethe bioreactor bioreactor supports supports aa biological biological reaction reaction which whichtransforms transformsthe theinput inputliquid liquidand andinput inputorganic organic supplements supplements intointo a source a source of liquid of liquid forsoil-based for the the soil-based plant production plant production system. system.

16. A method 16. A method according according to claim to claim 10, 10, wherein wherein the the sludge sludge mixture mixture including including waste waste produced produced byby the the aquatic aquatic animals animals is extracted is extracted fromfrom the recirculating the recirculating aquaculture aquaculture

system usingthe system using thesolids solidsfilter, filter, and that mixture and that mixture isis transported transportedtotothe thesequencing sequencing batch reactor where batch reactor wherebatch batchaeration aerationofofthe thesludge sludge mixture mixture andand batch batch separation separation of of

the liquid the liquid component and component and solids solids component component of sludge of the the sludge mixture mixture occursoccurs during during sequential time periods. sequential time periods.

17. 17. A A method method accordingto toclaim according claim16, 16,wherein whereinthe theliquid liquid component component from from the the sequencing batch sequencing batch reactor reactor is is transported transported to to thethe bioreactor bioreactor and, and, in the in the bioreactor, bioreactor,

the liquid the liquid component fromthe component from thesettling settling tank tankis is combined combinedwith withadditional additionalliquid liquid from from the recirculating the recirculating aquaculture aquaculture system andorganic system and organicsupplements supplements thereby thereby to create to create a a liquid liquid plant feedwhich plant feed whichis is delivered delivered to the to the soil-based soil-based plant plant production production system. system.

18. A method 18. A method according according to to claim claim 1616 ororclaim claim17, 17, wherein wherein the the solids solids component from component from the sequencing the batchreactor sequencing batch reactorisistransported transportedtotoa asolids solids composting composting system, system, where where

itit isiscombined combined with with green waste to green waste to form form compost, compost,wherein whereinthe thegreen green waste waste includes greenwaste includes green wasteobtained obtained from from the the soilsoil based based plant plant production production system, system, and and

whereinthe wherein thecompost compostisistransported transportedtotoa asoil soil manufacturing manufacturingsystem system to to produce produce soil, soil,

which isis then which thentransported transportedtotothe thesoil soilbased based plant plant production production system, system, where where it is it is used used totosupport supportthethe growth growth of plants. of plants.

1/1 1/1 07 Nov 2017 07 Nov 2017

5 5

Organic Organic Supplement Supplement Supply Supply

1 1 4 D 4 8 8 D 2017258843

2017258843

Bioreactor Bioreactor B B I 9 9 Soil/Compost Soil/Compost Supplement Supplement C C J J Supply Supply K Recirculating Recirculating K Soil Soil Based Plant Based Plant AquacultureSystem Aquaculture System Production System Production System 3 3 6 6 7 7

2 2

Solids Solids Soil Soil Solids Solids Solid Settling Solid Settling Composting Composting Manufacturing Manufacturing Filter Filter A Tank Tank E F G A E System System F System System G

H H L L

FIGURE FIGURE 11