阅读说明：本技术 胶囊种植系统和方法 (Capsule planting system and method ) 是由 马修·M·爱佳 约翰·W·汤姆森 格兰特·E·加那利 本杰明·赖利 蒂凡尼·曼特乌费尔-罗斯 于 2019-11-06 设计创作，主要内容包括：提出了充分利用最近获得的生物测定数据、配置繁殖芽体胶囊(例如,含有种子或孢子与生长介质和其它有用材料)以经由无人机进行部署,使得每个繁殖芽体胶囊的存活几率提高,以及配置无人机或有人驾驶的飞行器以便在远程位置进行安全的机群部署的方法和系统。(Methods and systems are presented for leveraging recently obtained biometric data, configuring reproductive bud capsules (e.g., containing seeds or spores with growth media and other useful materials) for deployment via drones such that the chances of survival of each reproductive bud capsule are increased, and configuring drones or manned aircraft for safe fleet deployment at a remote location.)

1. A method of propagating bud growth promotion, comprising:

disposing one or more drying media in the first layer such that a thickness of the first layer is within an order of 1 centimeter (cm);

forming one or more recessed portions on a first side of the first layer and one or more recessed portions on a second side of the first layer, wherein each recessed portion comprises a bore extending through a majority of a thickness of the first layer;

at least partially retaining the first reproductive buds within the recessed portion of the first side by attaching a biodegradable sealing cover to the first side of the first layer, more than half of the first reproductive buds being exposed to the gas;

retaining the second reproductive buds at least partially within the recessed portions of the second side by attaching a biodegradable sealing cover to the second side of the first layer, more than half of the second reproductive buds being exposed to the gas to assemble a first reproductive bud capsule; and

the first reproductive bud capsule is deployed in an arbitrarily tumbling trajectory, replacing any effective mechanism for ensuring that the first side will fall below the second side, such that it lands on or near the planting site with the first side, wherein the first layer protects the first reproductive buds from rodent predation for a sufficient time to grow roots from the first reproductive buds into the planting site.

2. A method of propagating bud growth promotion according to claim 1, wherein the first layer has one or more drying media disposed therein such that the first layer has a diameter greater than twice its thickness.

3. A method of propagating bud growth promotion according to claim 1, wherein the configuring of one or more drying media comprises:

incorporating one or more growth media as a component of the one or more drying media such that the one or more growth media are sufficiently rough or porous such that the first layer comprises greater than 1% interstitial gas by volume.

4. A method of propagating bud growth promotion, comprising:

disposing one or more drying media in the first layer such that a thickness of the first layer is within an order of 1 centimeter (cm);

forming one or more recessed portions on a first side of the first layer and one or more recessed portions on a second side of the first layer;

at least partially retaining the first reproductive buds within the recessed portion of the first side by attaching a biodegradable sealing cover to the first side of the first layer, more than half of the first reproductive buds being exposed to the gas;

retaining the second reproductive buds at least partially within the recessed portions of the second side by attaching a biodegradable sealing cover to the second side of the first layer to assemble a first reproductive bud capsule; and

a first propagating bud capsule is deployed such that it lands on or near the planting site on a first side.

5. A method of propagating bud growth promotion according to claim 4, wherein the disposing one or more drying media in the first layer is such that the thickness of the first layer comprises within the order of 1 centimeter:

the first layer is configured such that the diameter of the first layer is greater than twice its thickness.

6. A method of propagating bud growth promotion according to claim 4, wherein the configuring of one or more drying media comprises:

incorporating one or more growth media as a component of the one or more drying media such that the one or more growth media are sufficiently porous such that the first layer comprises greater than 0.5% interstitial gas by volume.

7. A method of propagating bud growth promotion according to claim 4 wherein the deploying a first propagating bud capsule comprises:

the first propagating bud capsule was released in a tumbling trajectory.

8. A method of propagating bud growth promotion according to claim 4 wherein the deploying a first propagating bud capsule comprises:

the first propagating bud capsule is released in a tumbling trajectory, wherein the tumbling trajectory is generated randomly, in lieu of any effective mechanism for ensuring that the first side will fall below the second side.

9. A method of propagating bud growth promotion according to claim 4, wherein the disposing one or more media in a first layer comprises:

a bore is formed extending through a majority of the thickness of the first layer as one or more recessed portions on the first side.

10. A method of promoting reproductive bud growth according to claim 4, wherein the first layer protects the first reproductive bud from rodent predation for a sufficient period of time to allow roots to grow from the first reproductive bud into the planting site.

11. A propagating bud growth promotion method according to claim 4 wherein a majority of the weight of at least one artificial water transport conduit of a first propagating bud capsule is dehydrated compressed peat or another growth medium configured to undergo a volume expansion upon hydration of greater than 20%.

12. A propagating bud growth promotion method according to claim 4, wherein an outer surface of the first propagating bud capsule includes a soil contacting portion of the first water collector of greater than 1 square centimeter and is configured to absorb by wicking greater than 5 microliters of liquid per hour directly from surrounding soil.

13. A propagating bud growth promotion method according to claim 4, wherein the endmost portion of the first propagating bud capsule that is longer than 0.5mm has a footprint of about 2 square millimeters, wherein the water of the first propagating bud capsule is less than 5% by weight.

14. A method of propagating bud growth promotion according to claim 4 wherein the one or more propagating buds comprise dormant seeds of a tree.

15. A propagating bud growth promoting method according to claim 4, wherein the first propagating bud capsule has a major component of coconut coir.

16. A propagating bud growth promotion method according to claim 4 wherein the first propagating bud capsule has one or more hydrated activated swelling growth media as a main component.

17. A method of propagating bud growth promotion according to claim 4, wherein subsurface seepage, dew or rain water is then poured into the dry and highly compressed medium and thereby triggers volume expansion of the medium.

18. A method for promoting reproductive bud growth according to claim 4, wherein at least some of the first reproductive bud capsules expand in volume to allow upward growth of reproductive buds therein through the medium.

19. A propagating bud growth promotion method according to claim 4 wherein local hydration allows at least one root from one or more propagating buds to grow in a generally downward direction into a planting site.

20. A propagating bud growth promotion method according to claim 4, wherein at least a first of the one or more propagating buds is surrounded by one or more packing materials that are sufficiently granular that more than half of the first propagating bud is exposed to ambient gas and thereby facilitates access to water and proper drainage.

Drawings

Fig. 1 illustrates exemplary dedicated hardware in which a mixture including seeds is processed in a mold, according to one or more embodiments.

Fig. 2 illustrates a physical system in which propagating bud capsules are deployed into an environment with wildlife as described herein, according to one or more embodiments.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a power distribution system suitable for charging a plurality of lithium-based batteries, according to one or more embodiments.

Fig. 4 illustrates a field deployment of a system by which a wheel-mounted vehicle (e.g., a truck and trailer) provides power distribution to a number of aerial drones, according to one or more embodiments.

Fig. 5 illustrates additional (optional) aspects of the system of fig. 4, according to one or more variant embodiments.

Figure 6 shows a flow chart of operations relating (at least in part) to automated deployment of relevant aspects of large scale remote planting and forestry/agriculture.

Fig. 7 illustrates further aspects of the system of fig. 4, according to one or more variant embodiments.

Fig. 8 illustrates further aspects of the system of fig. 4 in accordance with one or more embodiments.

Fig. 9 illustrates an exemplary dedicated system by which various portable client devices interact with a network in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 10 illustrates a server in which one or more techniques may be implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments.

Fig. 11 illustrates a client device in which one or more techniques may be implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 12 illustrates a data flow diagram associated with one or more information management programs described herein, according to one or more embodiments.

Figure 13 illustrates various forestry-related judgments (verdicts) in accordance with one or more embodiments.

Figure 14 shows various forestry-related depictions in accordance with one or more embodiments.

Fig. 15 illustrates another system related to one or more task flows described herein in accordance with one or more embodiments.

Fig. 16 illustrates a scatter plot depicting scalar biometric datasets derived from raw data acquired at several different times and the time-dependent scalar biometric range to which each such dataset belongs, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

Fig. 17 illustrates an aerial deployment planting system configured to access a microdomain (micro) on an irregular ground surface, according to one or more embodiments.

Fig. 18 illustrates an aerial-deployed propagule capsule on a trajectory to a target within a microdroplet in accordance with one or more embodiments.

Fig. 19 illustrates an aerial-deployed propagule capsule that has been lowered within a microdomain, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

Fig. 20 schematically illustrates various configurations of propagating bud capsules according to one or more embodiments.

Fig. 21 illustrates a targeting subassembly during deployment of a propagating bud capsule according to one or more embodiments.

Fig. 22 illustrates the targeting subassembly of fig. 21 ready to deploy another propagule capsule in accordance with one or more embodiments.

Fig. 23 illustrates a system in which propagating bud capsules are staged for deployment according to one or more embodiments.

Fig. 24 illustrates the system of fig. 23, wherein propagating bud capsules are in a higher-level staging state, according to one or more embodiments.

Fig. 25 illustrates a deployed propagule capsule as it is about to undergo post-deployment changes primarily due to moisture in accordance with one or more embodiments.

Fig. 26 illustrates the deployed propagule capsule of fig. 25 having undergone post-deployment structural changes suitable for propagule survival in accordance with one or more embodiments.

Fig. 27 shows a deployed propagule capsule with one or more root guide structures.

Fig. 28 shows the deployed propagule capsule of fig. 27 in which the root-directing structure has directed root growth.

Fig. 29 shows a system including components of a broad base propagule capsule being constructed.

FIG. 30 illustrates a system including additional aspects of a broad base propagule capsule.

Fig. 31 shows a system comprising a container with a plurality of wide-base propagating bud capsules, and shows an enlarged view of the interior of one of the capsules in a tumbling trajectory.

Fig. 32 shows a system including an aircraft carrying a container with another propagating bud capsule in a tumbling trajectory.

Fig. 33 illustrates a portable system configured to facilitate secure remote recharging of a battery unit.

Fig. 34 shows a flow chart of operations related to automated deployment of a plant.

Figure 35 shows a flow chart of operations related to automated deployment for planting or other operations related to forestry/agriculture.

Fig. 36 illustrates another flow chart of operations related to automated deployment of a plant.

Fig. 37 illustrates another flow chart of operations related to automated deployment of a plant.

Detailed Description

The following detailed description is presented primarily in terms of procedures and symbolic representations of operations on conventional computer components including a processor, memory storage devices for the processor, connected display devices, and input devices. Further, some of these processes and operations may utilize conventional computer components in a heterogeneous distributed computing environment, including remote file servers, computer servers, and memory storage devices.

The phrases "in one embodiment," "in various embodiments," "in some embodiments," and the like are used repeatedly. Such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Unless the context dictates otherwise, the terms "comprising", "having" and "including" are synonymous. As used herein, unless the context dictates otherwise, an amount is only "about" the value X if it differs by less than a factor of 3. As used herein, "a number" means ten or more unless the context dictates otherwise. As used herein, "a plurality" means hundreds or more unless the context dictates otherwise. As used herein, a structure is "porous" only if it has a large number of water-permeable pores (i.e., pores less than 5 microns in diameter) that permeate therethrough. As used herein, a structure is "absorbent" only if it is porous enough to absorb more than 5 microliters of liquid per hour by wicking (e.g., capillary action).

Unless otherwise specified by context, "on … (aboard)", "about (about)", "above … (above)", "absorbent (absorbed)", "active (active)", "adjacent (adjacent)", "advantageous (avantarious)", "aerial (aerial)", "allowed (occupied)", "along (along)", "artificial (artificial)", "at least (at least) space)", "automatic (automatic)", "balanced (balanced)", "below … (below)", "between … (between)", "biodegradable (biodegradable)", "biological (biological)", "through (by)", "capsule (capsule)", "closed (closed)", "compressed (condensed)", "condensed (condensed)", "condensed)", and "condensed (condensed)" are related to "condensed (condensed)", "condensed" and "condensed" and "the" condensed "or" condensed "or" condensed "or" condensed "or" condensed "or" condensed "or" condensed "or" condensed "or" condensed "or" condensed "or" condensed "or" condensed "or" condensed "or" condensed "or" condensed "or" condensed "or" condensed "or" condensed "or" condensed "or" condensed "or" condensed "or" condensed "or" condensed "or" condensed "or" condensed "or "downward (downward)", "each (reach)", "enhanced (enhanced)", "sufficient (end)", "extended (extension)", "first (first)", "forestry (forest)", "forward (forward)", "funnel-shaped", "having (seeing)", "height (height)", "responding (in response)", "indicating (indicator)", "integrated (integrated)", "to … (inter)", "transverse (lateral)", "gridded (related)", "local (local)", "location-specific", "longitudinal (longitudinal)", "made of … (parent)", "more", "narrowest", "most narrow", "close to", "large amount of access", "open (out)", "penetrating" of (outer) "," penetration (side) "," of (exterior) "," open (side) "," of (penetration (side) "," of "lateral (lateral-shaped", "open (side)", "of the" device " "photosensitive", "pneumatic", "porous", "prioritized", "processed", "qualified", "received", "remote", "retracted", "the", "scalar", "second", "selected", "shorter", "slight", "smooth", "some", "staging", "layering", "other", "third", "forward", "transmission", "transport", "tube", "rolling", "driving", or "no" using other words (no) within the normal "context", "no" of the person(s) "," no "is used, and not merely as terms of degree. In light of this disclosure, those skilled in the art will understand from the context the meaning of "remote" and other such positional descriptors used herein. With respect to inanimate structures, terms such as "processor," "hub," "unit," "computer," or other such descriptor words herein are used in their normal sense. Unless the context dictates otherwise, these terms are not intended to include any person, regardless of their location or occupation or other relevance to the described thing. Further, "for" is not used to explicitly express only the intended purpose in phrases like "circuitry for …" or "instructions for …," but is often used to descriptively identify special purpose software or structures.

As used herein, a structure is "biodegradable" if more than half of the materials of the structure (by weight) comprise any combination of: (1) a non-toxic water soluble material; (2) inorganic materials decomposable by microorganisms; or (3) organic materials that can be decomposed into carbon dioxide, water, methane, or simple organic molecules.

Reference will now be made in detail to a description of the embodiments as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the embodiments have been described in connection with the drawings and the associated descriptions, there is no intent to limit the scope to the embodiments disclosed herein. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents. In alternative embodiments, additional devices or combinations of the devices shown may be added or combined without limiting the scope to the embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 that includes specialized hardware adapted to prepare one or more seeds 107 to be placed in a fibrous or granular planting medium 126 (optionally containing compressible components such as coir 161 or peat 162). The mixture 113 of such components may further comprise one or more nutrients 141, pest deterrents (pest determents), or other supplements. Alternatively or additionally, such a mixture 113 may include one or more instances of particles 144 or other materials 145, such as polyvinyl acetate particles 144 (e.g., wood glue) suspended in water.

In some variations, such compositions (including mixtures 113 with one or more supplements and other materials) may be pressed into a mold 109 and processed such that one or more binder materials 145 thereof (when introduced, within an order of 3% by weight of the total composition) are blended and cured under pressure (e.g., in the mold 109). In some variations, such treatments may include applying a net pressure on the composition within the order of 5 atmospheres, heating the composition to 5-50 ℃ to reduce the relative humidity, injecting a drying gas 173 (e.g., dehumidified air) through the composition, venting the vicinity of the mold, or some combination of these treatments. As used herein, a growth medium 126 is "highly compressed" if the growth medium 126 has been shaped using a pressure greater than 1.5 atmospheres and reduced by more than 1% in one or more dimensions and is configured to expand (e.g., upon hydration).

As used herein, a material is "water soluble" if it has at least 10% higher water solubility than corn starch, unless the context dictates otherwise. As used herein, a number is "similar" or "approximately" the same as another number if the number differs from the other number by less than a factor of ten (i.e., by less than an "order of magnitude"). As used herein, unless the context dictates otherwise, a structure is (nominally) considered "dry" if less than 5% by weight (unsealed, unfrozen, and otherwise) of the structure can be hydrated with a liquid. As used herein, unless the context dictates otherwise, hydration is "available" to a structure if the structure is absorbed into its growth medium or is configured such that the growth medium can introduce hydration in or through it. Thus, unless the context dictates otherwise, some hydration within the structure (e.g., frozen or encapsulated water) may sometimes not be "available" even if it is adjacent to the one or more growth media 126.

Referring now to fig. 2, a system 200 is shown that includes winged, wheel-mounted, or other motorized vehicles 230, the vehicles 230 configured to deliver propagule capsules 210 (optionally, each containing a porous shell 240) to respective points 255A-C of a planting area (e.g., a zone (track) 250A). In some variations, a cartridge or other cartridge as described below may contain or contain a plurality of individual propagule capsules 210 therein. In some variations, such a housing 240 may have a defined interior volume (e.g., with a seed therein). Alternatively or additionally, the propagule capsule 210 may also include a hydrogel, polymer or polyacrylamide for preventing the sprouting propagules from drying out. Having a hydrogel, polymer or polyacrylamide in the propagule capsule 210 and near the root of the seedling or other propagule 207 desirably improves water use while maintaining aeration. Additionally, the propagule capsule 210 may further comprise fertilizers, mycorrhizal fungi, mycelia, pesticides, herbicides, predator deterrents, or any combination thereof. Such olfactory or gustatory predator deterrent supplements 142 may be, for example, the primary defense of the capsule against birds 201 and rodents 202 prior to and during germination. The success of each capsule 210, in addition to the shell 240 and other portions 208 (e.g., nutrients 141 and other particles 144) forming the composition 215, may also depend on one or more types 211, footprint 212, thickness 241, diameter 242, weight 243, and other aspects of the capsule 210, as further described below. Unless the context dictates otherwise, all such extensive properties of articles and materials are nominal or median values.

Referring now to fig. 3, a (schematic view of a) power distribution system 300 suitable for charging multiple (lithium ion polymer batteries or other) lithium-based battery cells 365 even at a remote location, according to one or more embodiments, is depicted. One or more (examples of) a power source 352 (e.g., a generator or fuel cell) are operably coupled (directly or otherwise) to provide Alternating Current (AC) power 367. In some variations, such AC power 367 passes through one or more current limiting disconnectors 353, one or more cam lock interfaces 354, one or more breaker boxes 357, or some combination of these, and into one or more alternating current-to-direct current (AC/DC) converters 358A-C. This allows the one or more AC/DC converters 358 to provide Direct Current (DC) power 368 at a nominal DC voltage 374 (e.g., greater than 10 volts and less than 100 volts) across the plurality of chargers 366A-E to one or more battery cells 365A-E operatively coupled to each charger under the control of one or more charger controllers 376 operatively coupled thereto as shown.

Fig. 4 illustrates a portable power deployment system 400 by which a single on-board vehicle 230 (e.g., a truck 430 and a trailer 439) provides efficient power distribution to enable a fleet of 4 or more battery-powered drones 431A-D to fly in the air simultaneously, with as few as 1 to 2 human helpers. The generator (implementing the power source 352) on the trailer 439 is removed and separated from its truck 430 by more than ten meters (for safety and sound attenuation) and coupled to the fuel tank 438 by the hose 435. The heavy duty weld cable 436 carries AC power 367 from the power supply 352 to the cam lock 354 interface on the truck 430. See fig. 8. This allows one battery 365 to power the current drone route/flight while charging subsequent drone routes/flights on the truck 430, as shown below. See fig. 5. As each drone 431 (landed or otherwise) completes the route, the planting cartridge 488 or other module 450 is replaced, and one or more depleted battery units 365 on the machine are replaced with one or more recharged battery units. In some variations, each lithium-based battery cell 365 is charged with an average DC current in excess of 10 amps, such that a charge in excess of 400 watt-hours (Wh) can be achieved in less than 60 minutes, even if the nominal charging voltage is below 30 volts. (as used herein, "drone" may refer to a motor propulsion device without a human occupant, whether or not it is being driven and capable of flying).

Figure 5 illustrates another view of the portable power deployment system 400 of figure 4. The rechargeable battery cells 365 are held in respective small outwardly facing compartment holes 569 made of a fire resistant material (e.g., containing a majority of gypsum by weight). Each small compartment hole 569 is small enough to accommodate a single rechargeable battery 365 with the front open, thereby minimizing the risk of a single exploding or burning battery detonating or igniting the other batteries. For the same reason, each bay faces away from the truck 430. Each charger 366F-G is operatively coupled to a number of rechargeable battery cells 365. The activity of each drone at any given work site (e.g., deploying capsule 210 to nearby site 255D) occurs mostly when the battery under replacement is being recharged, but idle time is minimized by the unprecedented rate of simultaneous distribution of DC power 368 by each deployed truck 430 to several recharging battery units 365 at remote work sites (i.e., away from any fixed grid access). See fig. 34.

Figure 6 shows a flow chart of operations related to (at least partially) automated deployment of relevant aspects of large scale remote planting and forestry/agriculture. Operation 645 depicts obtaining a first propagule capsule, the first propagule capsule generated as follows: forming a slurry or other mixture of one or more base materials with one or more supplements and a first binder material such that the first binder material comprises about 0.3% or 3% by weight of the fibrous or particulate mixture; surrounding the first reproductive sprout with a fibrous or particulate mixture; and curing the first binder material. Wherein the first binder material comprises polyvinyl acetate particles suspended in water, and wherein curing the first binder material comprises heating the fibrous or particulate mixture in a mold and allowing (for some time) most of the water to evaporate (e.g., to establish or purchase a growing service of a plurality of capsules 210 made in the mold 109 by forming the fibrous or particulate mixture 113 of one or more growth media 126 and one or more supplements 142 and first binder material 145 such that the binder material is on the order of about 0.3% or 3% or less by weight). This may occur, for example, where curing is completed fast enough and where capsule 210 formation does not trigger germination, where the mixture 113 surrounds one or more non-light germinating seeds 107 therein, and where the irregular opacity of the fibrous or granular mixture 113 would otherwise result in unpredictable germination of the crop, for example by unduly delaying germination (e.g., in the case of dark germinating seed species such as onions) or by triggering germination before sufficient hydration is available (e.g., in the case of light germinating seeds). Alternatively or additionally, such formation may be accomplished using a factory mold 109 configured to exert significant pressure (e.g., within an order of 15 atmospheres) on the compressible components of the growth medium 126 such that hydration from the planting site triggers significant volume expansion (i.e., over 10%). Furthermore, in some variations, such a propagule capsule 210 may be constructed with any adhesive material 145.

As used herein, a seed is "photogenic" if its phytochrome mediates a photochemical reaction of the seed such that its germination is affected by light. Thus, as used herein, most artemisia fruticosa, onion, and lily seeds have "light germination". As used herein, a seed is "non-photogenic" if it does not have such a phytochrome that its germination is instead controlled by temperature, water, chemical inhibitors, or other such factors other than the photochemical reaction within the seed 107. Thus, as used herein, substantially all needle tree seeds that are not genetically modified are "non-photogenic".

Operation 655 involves carrying the first propagating bud capsule with the drone to a planting site (e.g., a planting service that programs and operates a fleet of several drones 431 in a single deployment-i.e., without moving an operating base). This may occur, for example, in the following cases: the flight pattern is pre-designed and each drone 431 (e.g., in a fleet of four or more drones) makes several flights in succession while the next preparation operation (e.g., recharging) is taking place without moving the truck 430 serving as the operating base.

Operation 665 describes automatically depositing the first reproductive bud capsule to the planting site such that the fibrous or granular mixture draws water at the planting site into contact with the first reproductive bud, wherein the one or more supplements in the fibrous or granular mixture accelerate the growth of the first reproductive bud through the fibrous or granular mixture into the planting site (e.g., a planting service that delivers the reproductive bud capsule 210 to a number of selected points 255 in a dormant state or wet season such that water from the environment can trigger germination and maintain seedling state for a sufficient time such that an acceptable portion thereof is viable and rooted at the corresponding planting point 255D). This may occur, for example, in the following cases: the planting service may acquire systematic knowledge (e.g., about how to minimize seed predation and accurately place the capsules 210) that evolves over time, such as the knowledge presented herein.

Fig. 7 illustrates further aspects of the system 400 of fig. 4, according to one or more variant embodiments. A switch box 753 mounted at the rear of the truck 430 provides a main switch function similar to the switch 353 and a current limiting function similar to the breaker box 357 of the system 300. Additionally, a splice enclosure 754 mounted on the rear of the truck 430 provides a high capacity disconnectable cable connection function similar to that of the cam lock interface 354 of the system 300.

Fig. 8 illustrates further additional aspects of the system of fig. 4, according to one or more variant embodiments. A line 854A of first phase 120/208/240 volts (e.g., generally marked with black and passing through a junction box 754) is configured to carry AC power 367 from the field power supply 352 toward the AC/DC converter 358 through a corresponding fuse 853A. A second phase 120/208/240 volt line 854B (e.g., generally labeled with red and passing through a junction box 754) is configured to carry AC power 367 from the power supply 352 toward the AC/DC converter 358 through a corresponding fuse 853B. A third phase 120/208/240 volt line 854C (e.g., generally labeled with blue and passing through a junction box 754) is also configured to carry AC power 367 from power supply 352 toward AC/DC converter 358 through a corresponding fuse 853C. As shown, the fuse 853 is rated at a voltage of up to 250 volts AC, but other nominal ratings between 100 and 1000 volts AC may be used. Another line 854D (e.g., generally marked with white and passing through a junction box 754) is configured to act as a neutral line. Another line 854E (e.g., generally labeled with a green color and passing through a junction box 754) is configured to serve as a safety ground line or ground (PG).

In some variations, one or more pneumatic or other robotic actuators of the walking or flying drone 431 are adapted to eject the propagating bud capsule 210 as the drone or other vehicle 230 passes the target point 255. It is contemplated that the micro-plots are targeted such that the propagating bud capsules 210 are shot toward and fall within the micro-plots. See fig. 15. In addition, the gas regulator optimizes the pressure to control the speed of the seed capsule as it is ejected. The speed may vary depending on various factors such as wind speed, soil surface tension, preferred germination habits of the species, etc. In some embodiments, the gas regulator can be manually adjusted or programmed to automatically adjust for different planting areas. Because the propagating bud capsules 210 are soluble, the seeds do not need to be buried or penetrated into the soil and the root structure of the seed plant is allowed to expand unimpeded.

In some variations, the invention may (optionally) further comprise a seed improver pellet. The pellets comprise a shape of a gunny shell and include a medium for mycorrhizal fungi inoculation, a pesticide, a herbicide, a fertilizer, a scent or compound, a hydrogel, a beneficial plant, a plurality of seeds, or any combination thereof.

During the "reconnaissance" phase, drone 431 flies over the area. While airborne, the sensors of the UAV help identify the appropriate planting area and the microdomains within the planting area by collecting data. The collected data is processed via the CPU and stored in a memory unit or transmitted to a remote database server. Based on the data, the CPU maps at least one planting route at stage 370. Alternatively, the collected data is transmitted to another server or mapping module on the surface, which may be configured to perform route mapping.

During the "planting" phase, the drone 431 flies over a pre-planned route and launches a propagating bud capsule 210 when it is within range of a microdroplet. The launching mechanism of drone 431 may be configured (e.g., with a spring or pneumatic launching mechanism or controlled detonation) to launch propagule capsules within the order of 5 or 10 meters per second. In this way, the UAV may launch encapsulated plant seeds into the ground where good growing areas are identified. Optionally, the drone 431 may also be programmed to fly through the planned route on a regular basis to monitor seed germination and seedling growth.

Fig. 4 illustrates an exemplary network topology of an information management system 400 according to various embodiments. The central information management server 1000 (see fig. 10) is in data communication with a plurality of client devices 1100A-C (see fig. 11) via one or more networks 468. In various embodiments, network 468 may include the internet, one or more local area networks ("LANs"), one or more wide area networks ("WANs"), a cellular data network, and/or other data networks. The network 468 can be a wired and/or wireless network at various points. The telematics server 1000 can be in data communication with one or more information management data storage 465.

In various embodiments, any of client devices 1100A-C may be a networked computing device with a form factor, including general purpose computers (including "desktop," "laptop," "notebook," "tablet" computers, and the like); a mobile phone; a watch, glasses, or other wearable computing device. In the example shown in fig. 4, client device 1100A is depicted as a laptop/notebook computer, client device 1100B is depicted as a handheld device, and client device 1100C is depicted as a computer workstation. In various embodiments, there may be fewer or more answering devices than shown in fig. 4.

As described in more detail below, in various embodiments, the telematics server 1000 can be a networked computing device that is generally capable of accepting requests, e.g., from any of the answering devices 1100A-C and/or other networked computing devices (not shown), over the network 468 and providing responses accordingly. In a typical context, one or more devices 1100A-B networked together as described herein may rely on a limited bandwidth signal path 401A-B, and one or more other devices 1100C also networked will rely on an infiniband signal path 401C, the significance of which will be appreciated by those skilled in the art in light of the following disclosure. In general, the limited bandwidth signal paths 401A-B and the devices 1100A-B relying thereon are not suitable for allowing their human users to examine pictograms and other bandwidth intensive data and make decisions on them in time (e.g., diagnostics, work requests, or other subsequent decisions that are fast enough to function). The functional components of an exemplary information management server 1000 that remotely supports high-level interaction with various client devices 1100A-C are described below with reference to fig. 10.

Fig. 10 illustrates a server 1000 in which one or more techniques may be implemented. In respective embodiments, the server 1000 may be a general-purpose computer, or may include dedicated components not shown. As shown in fig. 10, the exemplary server 1000 includes one or more processing units 1002 in data communication with one or more memories 1004 via one or more buses 1016. Each such memory 1004 typically includes some or all of Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), and/or permanent mass storage such as a disk drive, flash memory, etc. Client device 1000 may also include one or more instances of network interface 1006, user input 1008, display 1012, or speakers (not shown).

As shown, memory 1004 of exemplary server 1000 may store an operating system 1010 and program code for a plurality of software applications, such as client hosted application 1014. These and other software components, as well as various data files (not shown), may be loaded into memory 1004 via network interface (optional) 1006 (or via a selectively removable computer-readable storage medium 1018, such as a memory card, etc.). For hardware functions such as network communications via network interface 1006, obtaining data via user input 1008, presenting data via display 1012 and/or speakers, and allocating locations of memory 1004 to various resources, operating system 1010 may act as an intermediary between software executing on server 1000 and the server's hardware.

For example, operating system 1010 may cause a representation of a locally available software application (such as client hosted application 1014) to be presented locally (e.g., via display 1012). If the operating system 1010 obtains a selection of the client hosted application 1014, e.g., via the user input 1008, the operating system 1010 may instantiate a client hosted application 1014 process (not shown) that causes the processing unit 1002 to begin executing the executable instructions of the client hosted application 1014 and allocate a portion of the memory 1004 for use thereof. Further, in some variations, a download service 1024 resident in memory may allow applications (e.g., hosted in media 1018) to be downloaded to authorized client devices upon request as described below. Alternatively or in addition, the operations described below may be implemented using the specialized circuitry 1022 that resides in the server 1000 as described below.

Although an exemplary server 1000 has been described, server 1000 can be any of a number of computing devices capable of executing program code, such as program code corresponding to a hosted application 1014. Alternatively or additionally, the architecture described with reference to FIG. 10 may also be implemented by dedicated peer computers in a peer-to-peer network.

Fig. 11 illustrates a client device 1100 in which one or more techniques may be implemented. In respective embodiments, client device 1100 may be a general-purpose computer or may include specialized components not shown. As shown in fig. 11, exemplary client device 1100 includes one or more processing units 1102 in data communication with one or more memories 1104 via one or more buses 1116. Each such memory 1104 typically includes some or all of Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), and/or permanent mass storage such as a disk drive, flash memory, etc. Client device 1100 may also include one or more instances of a network interface 1106, user input 1108, a display 1112, or speakers (not shown).

As shown, the memory 1104 of exemplary client device 1100 may store an operating system 1110 and program code for a number of software applications, such as a client-side web browser application 1114. The client-side web browser application 1114 is a software application by which a client device can present data to a user and transmit data input by the user under server control. These and other software components, as well as various data files (not shown), may be loaded into the memory 1104 via the network interface (optional) 1106 (or via a selectively removable computer-readable storage medium 1118, such as a memory card, etc.). For hardware functions such as network communications via network interface 1106, obtaining data via user input 1108, presenting data via display 1112 and/or speakers, and allocating memory 1104 to various resources, operating system 1110 may act as an intermediary between software executing on client device 1100 and the hardware of the client device.

For example, the operating system 1110 can cause representations of locally available software applications (such as the client-side web browser application 1114) to be presented locally (e.g., via the display 1112). If the operating system 1110 obtains a selection of the client web browser application 1114, e.g., via user input 1108, the operating system 1110 can instantiate a client web browser application 1114 process (not shown), i.e., cause the processing unit 1102 to begin executing the executable instructions of the client web browser application 1114 and allocate a portion of the memory 1104 for use thereof. Alternatively or in addition, the operations described below may be implemented with dedicated circuitry 1122 resident in client device 1100, as described below.

FIG. 12 illustrates a data flow diagram suitable for use with at least one embodiment. The operating parameters 1205A, including the biometric range "a," are transmitted from the client device 1100A to a site 1235 where a plurality of flying drones 1231, or other aerial vehicles, are located and operated. Operational parameters 1205B, including biometric range "B," are also transmitted from client device 1100B to site 1235. Using the received operating parameters 1205A-B, one or more of the drones 1231 are scheduled to acquire onboard data 1215 accordingly. In some variations, such onboard data 1215 may be accomplished via hyperspectral imaging or one or both of LIDAR or LADAR (e.g., using one or more sensors on the drone), and with one or more removable/interchangeable compressed gas canisters and propagating bud cartridges 488 left behind by the drones 431, 1231 to extend the range of the drone. Some or all of the current onboard data 1215 is then transmitted 1220 as raw data 1220 to the server 1000. Server 1000 then applies one or both of ranges "a" and "B" to raw data 1220 to determine (e.g., by performing block 775) automatic prioritization of the third location (e.g., location 255C of the planting area) relative to other locations (e.g., locations 255A-B) of the land zone, as appropriate. For example, this may manifest itself as prioritizing the images of the location 255C and causing the images to be automatically transmitted to the client device 1100A (e.g., for use by and in connection with party 1298A as shown) as an automatic and conditional response to the client device 1100A having provided a range "a" into which the third location-specific artificial biometric falls. In some cases, the depiction containing the image may be large enough (e.g., a few megabytes or more) so that it only arrives at device 1100A overnight (e.g., within 16 hours after capture) because it has been selected (e.g., as part of prioritized data selection 1265A) and automatically sent. This may occur, for example, if the planting area (e.g., zone 250A) is far from the high bandwidth connection and where the prioritized data selection 1265A omits shape indicating data related to the lower priority locations 255A-255B that the location-specific artificial biometrics are out of range.

Alternatively or additionally, in some cases, generating depiction 1225 includes determining (e.g., by server 1000 or by processing unit 1102 within container 230) that artificial biometrics belonging to different locations 255 may be prioritized with respect to a different client device 1100B (e.g., for use by and in relation to party 1298B as shown) as having fallen within range 277B provided by that client device 1100B. For example, this may occur if the corresponding biometric associated with position 255B is below range 277B; wherein the corresponding biometric associated with position 255C is above range 277B; wherein the conditional prioritized data selection 1265B automatically transmitted to the client device 1100B is greater than 100 megabytes (e.g., an image including at least the location 255A) but less than 100 terabytes (e.g., not including all current images of the planting area in the current raw data set); where such transmission occurs before a long delay 1270 (e.g., 24 to 48 hours) only because it has been automatically prioritized and sent; and one or more of the determinations 1275A, 1275B (e.g., decision whether to plant) will not affect 1280 until a subsequent deployment (e.g., when site 1235 returns to a planting area more than a year).

Fig. 13 provides a schematic illustration of various forestry-related determinations 1275 as further described herein, which are resident in the memory 1304 (e.g., optionally implemented in one or more of the memories 1004, 1104 described above or in the drones 431, 1231 or other vehicles 230). As used herein, "judgment" may refer to any forestry-related determination (diagnosis, action plan, prescription, afforestation or owner goal, quantitative evaluation or other judgment) from one or more human authorities (e.g., experts or device operators) regarding subsequent deployment actions of land or vegetation based at least in part on current aerial data. As used herein, "current" data refers to measured or other values that occur (e.g., caused by light energy) in the vicinity of interest (e.g., at or above the location of interest) within six months of such determination, as the sensor detects the effect or is otherwise updated. Older data relating to a nearby area is "not current" when such recent data relating to the area is not used to determine the recent status of the nearby area.

Such determinations 1275 may each include one or more instances of positive decisions 1301, negative decisions 1302 (e.g., taking no action to consider), diagnosis (e.g., assigning a toxic organism with organic species recognition 1303), or additional work requests (e.g., analysis and determinations by other human authorities). In some cases, for example, such positive decisions 1301 under consideration may be represented as one or more portable module identifiers 1321 (a serial number that effectively determines which bioactive materials apply to the "third location" under consideration). Alternatively or additionally, the decision 1275 may include one or more tasks or sequences of instructions 1322 or defined routes 1323 (e.g., specifying when and how a drone-implemented delivery flight is to be executed). Alternatively or additionally, the determination 1275 may include one or more instances of a bioactive material identifier 1335 (e.g., such as a herbicide identifier 1331, a pesticide identifier 1332, a fertilizer identifier 1333, or other such deliverables). Alternatively or additionally, the decision 1275 may express one or more instances of a crop species identification 1343 or other component of a (positive) planting decision 1345.

Figure 14 provides a schematic illustration of a forestry-related depiction 1425 as further described herein, which forestry-related depiction 1425 resides in memory 1404 (e.g., implemented in one or more of the memories 1004, 1104 described above or in a drone 1231 or other vehicle 230). As used herein, unless the context dictates otherwise, a "delineation" of a terrestrial zone means a data set comprising one or more photographic, categorical, or other descriptive data components relating to the respective portion of the terrestrial zone. In some cases, it can include a set of coordinates 1433 associated with one or more instances of a photographic or schematic image 1431 of a physical feature of the land, and scalar determinants 1432A-C to which the image 1431 or coordinates 1433 are associated. In some variations, for example, such depictions may include map data (e.g., showing historical waterscape) or other such non-biometric determinants 1432A (e.g., which may describe soil composition, local weather data, ground elevation, or heat or precipitation history), or other such measurements that may affect, but do not directly describe, any current presence of non-motile creatures living on tracked locations on land.

Fig. 15 illustrates another system related to one or more task flows described herein in accordance with one or more embodiments. The information management system 1500 is configured to interact with one or more other zones 250B-C where one or more vehicles 230 as described herein may be deployed. In a first deployment, one or more sensors 1540 on the vehicle 230 receive and detect energy 1508 from several locations 255E-G of the zone 250B, the energy 1508 appearing in memory 1504 as raw digital data 1220 (e.g., described with reference to fig. 12). Further, a portion of the raw data 1220 is refined to depict 1425A, which includes current location-specific artificial biometrics 1502A-E for each of the locations 255 as shown. The depiction 1425A may also include some photographic data originally captured by the one or more sensors 1540. In some variations, the CPU 158 on the vehicle 230 may be configured to simplify its operation by editing overly repetitive portions of the photographic data (e.g., depicting some or all of the images of the location 255J for which significant biometrics are not significant as well understood). This may occur, for example, in the following cases: selecting margin range 1577A (e.g., via a phytologist using one or more client devices 1100A-B remote from zone 250B) such that lower limit 261 is below 0.2 and upper limit 252 is 0.4; a first location-specific artificial biometric 1502A (e.g., the currently depicted location 255H) is below a marginal range 1577A; a second location-specific artificial biometric 1502B (e.g., currently depicted location 255I) is above the marginal range 1577A; a third location-specific artificial biometric 1502D (e.g., the currently depicted location 255K) is within a marginal range 1577A; the botanicals advisor receives priority 1551 as a real-time response to having detected (e.g., at server 500A) a large sheet of vegetation exhibiting biometrics 1502D within an edge range 1577A; the advisor has set limits on what constitutes a "large patch" (e.g., square meters as one of the onboard parameters 1545); no real-time response will be sent to the advisor; some signal paths 401A-D are actually bandwidth limited, but other signal paths 401E of interest are not; and the advisor would otherwise not be able to provide the decision 1275C in a timely manner to avoid wasted opportunities (e.g., having the location 255K and remaining patches included in one or more drones 1531 to apply herbicide to a large contiguous portion of the zone 250B including the location 255H).

In some cases, the current data depicting the first microdomain (e.g., location 255K) may be used to characterize the entire "third" location, even when that location has been expanded to include a series of additional adjacent microdomains that are within range 1577 based in part on the biometric value of each microdomain in the series and adjacent to another microdomain in the series based in part on each microdomains in the series. The effect of this algorithm expansion is evident, for example, in the irregular shapes of locations 255E-G.

In subsequent deployments, one or more sensors 1540 (e.g., described with reference to fig. 1) on the vehicle 230 receive and detect energy 1508 from several irregularly shaped locations 255E-G of the zone 250C, and then record the energy 1508 as raw digital data 1220 in the memory 1504. This may occur, for example, in the following cases: when site 1535 is in the vicinity 1596 of zone 250C, a depiction 1425B reflecting this data is downloaded via signal path 401D; where the depiction 1425B presents a biometric map (e.g., with biometrics appearing as likelihood indications or other percentages as shown) or a programmed navigation route for one or more drones 1531); and such information flow 1501 (e.g., via server 500A and signal paths 401D-E) includes priority 1551 and decision 1275C as described below. This may occur, for example, in the following cases: the lower limit of the range is 20 to 25 and the upper limit is 50 to 70; and the "third" position is position 255G.

As used herein, "priority" may refer to conditional automatic notification (e.g., in response to some datasets 1666B-C selectively requesting a quick judgment rather than on other datasets 1666A), ranking (e.g., listing a priority item before one or more other items), or some other expression indicating an elevated importance relative to a nearby location (e.g., a microdisk) or attribute thereof. In some cases, the respective "priorities" may be different for different parties, such as where client device 1100A prioritizes record 1468A over one or more other depicted records in response to "66" falling within range "a" (as shown in fig. 12), and where client device 1100B prioritizes record 1468B over one or more other depicted records in response to "0.5" falling within range "B". This can have a significant impact, for example, in the following cases: such ordering triggers selective automatic downloading of prioritized records; the full resolution image 1431 is sufficient to ensure correct results in the decision or decisions 1275 in question, whereas the lower resolution image 1431 does not; full resolution images 1431 of thousands of records 1467 for a given terrestrial zone are not feasible through a limited bandwidth connection with one or both of the client devices 1100, downloading the respective priorities 1551 via the client devices 1100; and correct and timely results of at least some of the determinations 1276 discussed would not be feasible without substantial hardware upgrades (e.g., to increase bandwidth of the links 401A-B).

FIG. 16 shows a scatter plot depicting a range 1577 with upper and lower limits that both increase with one or more determinants (e.g., time), where a series of current datasets 1666A-C are each separated by years. In light of the teachings herein, one of skill in the art will be able to identify various health or growth-indicative artificial bioassays for which such a time-related range 1577 will be applicable. For example, a bothers or other expert who is required to make a time critical judgment 1275 in marginal cases may in some cases prefer to select such a range 1577 for calculation (e.g., to minimize false positive and negative priority determinations over time). At a first (nominal) time 1691A (e.g., within one week of the mean timestamp date), dataset 1666A includes a number of location-specific artificial biometrics within the selected range 1577 then depicting 1425 and a number of location-specific artificial biometrics above the selected range 1577 then depicting 1425. It should be noted that the location-specific artificial biometrics that depict 1425 at that time are not below the selected range 1577.

In each of the datasets 1666B-C, the several location-specific artificial biometrics then portraying 1425 are above a selected range 1577. In data set 1666B, then at least one location-specific artificial biometric depicted 1425 is within a selected range 1577, indicating that the biometric (and its affiliated "third" location) should have a higher priority 1551 than one or more other (over-or under-bound) biometrics in data set 1666B that correspond to the same time 1691B (nominally). Likewise, in data set 1666C, the plurality of location-specific artificial biometrics (e.g., nominally acquired at time 1691C according to execution block 705) then depicting 1425 are within a selected range 1577, indicating that the biometrics (and the "third" location to which they pertain) are "marginally" and merit a higher priority (e.g., ranking or conditional urgency) than some or all of the other (overrun or underrun) biometrics in data set 1666C. Many of the data sets 1666 described herein provide for special handling of location-specific biometric values 1673 within range, as compared to corresponding lower and upper limit values 1671, 1672.

In accordance with the teachings herein, a great deal of prior art may be applied to configure dedicated circuitry or other structures that may be effectively used to obtain and apply the limitations to biometric values as described herein without undue experimentation. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 10,078,784 ("formation information management systems and methods of linear by automatic biological data priority"); U.S. Pat. No. 9,420,737 ("Three-dimensional evaluation molding for use in operating imaging instruments"); U.S. Pat. No. 9,378,554 ("Real-time range map generation"); U.S. Pat. No. 9,373,149 ("Autonomous neighborwood vehicle network and community"); U.S. Pat. No. 9,354,235 ("System and Process for stabilizing reactive minor nitrogen reagent") for an aggregate crop production; U.S. Pat. No. 9,340,797 ("Compositions and methods for control of infection in plants"); U.S. Pat. No. 9,310,354 ("Methods of predicting crop yield using method profiling"); U.S. Pat. No. 9,412,140 ("Method and system for infection of reflectors"); U.S. Pat. No. 9,378,065 ("Purposeful computing"); U.S. Pat. No. 8,682,888 ("systems and methods for labeling, collecting, and distributing information ports"); U.S. Pat. No. 9,423,249 ("Biometric measurement systems and methods"); U.S. Pat. No. 9,286,511 ("Event registration and management system and method applying geo-tagging and biometrics"); U.S. Pat. No. 9, 268,915 ("Systems and methods for diagnosis or treatment"); U.S. Pat. No. 9,137,246 ("Systems, methods and apparatus for multivariate authentication"); and U.S. Pat. No. 9,014,516 ("Object information derived from Object images"). These documents are incorporated herein by reference to the extent they are not inconsistent herewith.

In accordance with the teachings herein, a great deal of prior art may be applied to configure special purpose circuits or other structures that may be effectively used to represent and implement priorities and determinations as described herein without undue experimentation. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 9,311,605 ("Modeling of time-variable gradient content for determination of predicted temporal variation windows and estimation of amount of communication from varied variation an over-drive crop"); U.S. Pat. No. 9,390,331 ("System and method for assembling legacy hitates"); U.S. Pat. No. 9,383,750 ("System for predicting communication accessories of unknown customers"); U.S. Pat. No. 9,378,509 ("Methods, and optics of manufacture to measure Geographic features using an image of a Geographic location"); U.S. Pat. No. 9,373,051 ("Statistical approach to identifying and tracking targets with in captured image data"); U.S. Pat. No. 9,355,154 ("Media sequencing method to protocol location-dependent inventory"); U.S. Pat. No. 9,336,492 ("Modeling of re-existence of stored grain crop for acceptable time-of-sample motion level and opportunity windows for operation of storage bin failure based on expected atmospheric conditions"); U.S. Pat. No. 9,277,525 ("Wireless location using location estimators"); U.S. Pat. No. 9,269,022 ("Methods for object recognition and related arrangements"); U.S. Pat. No. 9,237,416 ("Interactive advisory system for printing content"); U.S. Pat. No. 9,202,252 ("System and method for connecting and optimizing water and water use"); U.S. Pat. No. 9,131,644 ("continuous crop definition using dynamic extended range weather precoding with route retrieval-sensitive evaluation image"); U.S. Pat. No. 9,113,590 ("Methods, apparatus, and systems for determining in-search crop stands in an aggregate crop and alerting users"); U.S. Pat. No. 8,775,428 ("Method and apparatus for predicting object properties and events using precision-based information retrieval and modification"); U.S. Pat. No. 8,146,539 ("Method of reducing helicobacter fuels in areas of refractory to gases"); U.S. Pat. No. 7,764,231 ("Wireless location using multiple mobile station location techniques"); and U.S. publication No. 2016/0073573 ("Methods and systems for managing aggregate activities"). These documents are incorporated herein by reference to the extent they are not inconsistent herewith.

Fig. 17 illustrates an aerial deployment planting system configured to access microdomains on irregular ground 1759. Each of the microdots 1755 in the area 1750 to be planted includes one or more propagule placement targets 1756 therein. As shown, the unmanned vehicle 1730 includes a propulsion subassembly 1735 having a plurality of propellers 1734 or other branches for movement. The advancement subassembly supports the targeting subassembly 1770 (with one or more flexible gimbals 1779 therebetween) just deployed with the seed capsule 1710. More generally, such a containment/targeting subassembly may be gimballed balanced relative to the propulsion subassembly to stabilize the targeting subassembly while continuously releasing the propagule capsule 210 (e.g., a seed capsule) in the air toward a corresponding target 1756 (e.g., less than one square meter) while moving such that the corresponding target comes within range 1777 of the targeting subassembly.

Referring now to fig. 18-20, fig. 18 shows an aerial-deployed propagule capsule 2010A now traveling in a nearly horizontal direction on a trajectory toward the target. As shown, the drag coefficient of the propagule capsule remains between 0.04 and 0.5 in flight, primarily due to the plurality of outwardly directed lobes 1862A, which results in the travel angle 1848 (relative to the downward direction 1882) steadily decreasing as the propagule capsule follows its trajectory. This moderate drag coefficient allows the oriented propagule capsule to travel in a predominantly horizontal direction 1881 (i.e., having an angle between 45 and 135 degrees relative to the downward direction) to erect itself (i.e., so that it falls in a predominantly vertical direction) prior to falling. This allows the anterior protrusion 1819 to penetrate the ground sufficiently significantly so that the capsule can remain upright. This may occur, for example, in the following cases: in the critical task of plant root emergence to find a reliable water supply, the water trap at the top of the capsule (e.g., flap 1662A) does not otherwise work effectively (to promote rather than retard seedling growth).

Fig. 19 shows a system 1900 that contains an aerial-deployed propagule capsule 2010B that has been lowered within a microdroplet. Because the forward protrusion 1919 (pointed end) has penetrated significantly enough into the ground 1958 (e.g., depth 1957A greater than 5mm) such that the capsule 2010B may remain upright for more than 3 weeks, one or more of the un-layered, refractory or other propagating buds 1907 may survive as long as there is sufficient harvestable dew 1998 or other available precipitation 1992 that may be collected by one or more flaps 1862B of the capsule 2010B. The propagule capsule 2010B is configured to include one or more growth media 1926A-B that serve as artificial water conduits between the proximal end 1914 of the valve and its water directing surface 1966. This allows precipitation 1992 (e.g., rain or snow) or other water (e.g., artificial hydration delivered by an unmanned drone) to be directed from the distal end 1912 of the petals 1862 all the way into the primary opening 1947 on top of the housing 1940 and through to the propagule 1907. In some cases, the total surface area of such artificial surface water collectors (e.g., flaps) for a single propagating bud capsule totals more than 3 square centimeters, where each of the artificial surface water collectors is sufficiently close to at least one of the one or more artificial water delivery conduits (e.g., media) such that capillary action can occur therebetween. As shown, a housing configured to support (at least one of) the one or more aqueous mediums is adjacent to the one or more reproductive buds, thereby allowing surface water (e.g., rain or dew) from the one or more artificial surface catchers to flow to the one or more reproductive buds via the aqueous medium.

In some cases, such a flap may comprise a grid-like layer of wires (e.g., a fine mesh) having a large number of holes therethrough, each hole having a width/diameter within 1 to 2 orders of magnitude of 0.5 millimeters, to allow its (optionally hydrophobic) surface to have a higher effective water collection area per unit of air resistance coefficient. Furthermore, in some variations, one or more reproductive buds may be held within a chamber that provides protection (e.g., from wind and solar drying and reproductive bud predation) by having a maximum opening of greater than 1 square millimeter and less than 10 square centimeters and all other openings of the chamber being less than 3 square millimeters. In some variations, seed predation may be further reduced by configuring the housing to extend to a minimum height 1997 of 3 centimeters above the surrounding ground 1958. Further, in some variations, the porous or other hydration conduit/collector comprises a portion of the housing that extends below ground to a depth 1957B of greater than 0.2 millimeters, wherein at least some of the housing below the surface is configured to act as an additional water collector based on capillary action and water gradients between the surface of the housing and the soil environment.

Fig. 20 schematically illustrates various configurations of a propagating bud capsule 2010. In some variations, the aerial deployment planting system includes a propagating bud capsule 2010 configured to contain one or more propagating buds 2007 and one or more artificial catchers. These may include one or more surface water collectors 2021 (e.g., one or more rain 2021A or dew 2021B collectors). Alternatively or additionally, it may include one or more soil interfaces 2024 or other surface water collectors 2022 (or both). Further, such systems may also include one or more artificial water conduits 2023 and one or more substrates 2040 (e.g., implemented as a housing) configured to support the one or more artificial water conduits adjacent to the one or more propagating buds 2007, thereby promoting rain water 2092, dew 2098, weep 2091, capillary action, or other water that may timely and durably contact the one or more propagating buds (e.g., throughout germination and early seedling growth stages).

In some cases, the seepage water 2091 is the best available water source 2033, which requires a groundwater collector (e.g., a tip with a primary longitudinal capillary tube passing therethrough) to be tightly bound (e.g., by depth placement) to the moist soil or ground-based substrate interface. Alternatively or additionally, the single porous structure 2025 may serve as a ground water collector and conduit in direct contact with the propagating bud. Furthermore, in some variations, the mass-produced capsule subassembly 2028 may be made of a harder medium that is pressed against and fused with a softer medium 2026B with one or more propagating buds therebetween. Alternatively or additionally, one or more of such media may include a cavity (e.g., gas-filled pocket 2029) of greater than 1 milliliter. Further, in some cases, artificial hydration 2094 delivered via hydration deployment (e.g., drone route) (e.g., as a condition response to several hot dry days after capsule deployment) may be transferred to the diseased propagating buds via artificial rain water collector 2021A, artificial dew collector 2021B, or artificial ground water collector 2022 (or via a combination of these). For additional propagating bud capsule configuration features according to various embodiments, see also fig. 22-32.

Fig. 21 shows a system 2100 (e.g., suitable for use with/in an unmanned vehicle) that includes a payload of the unmanned vehicle, a targeting subassembly during deployment of a propagating bud capsule 2010C having a length 2146 of about 3 centimeters. In some variations, the propagating bud capsule 2010C may have a bullet-like or similar funnel shape (e.g., a front half with a wide back/top end 2112 and a front end 2114 that tapers to a pointed front/bottom end). The cartridge 2188 as shown (or a hopper or other selective dispensing receptacle) contains multiple 2189 of other capsules 210, 2010 (e.g., instantiating a reproductive bud cartridge 488) on the same vehicle. See fig. 31. Gimbal 2179 is configured to stabilize the targeting subassembly (e.g., relative to the dynamic propulsion assembly) during deployment. In deployment, the propagating bud capsules 2010C pass through a grading subassembly 2190 that contains a release mechanism 2185 or a secondary gimbal (e.g., configured to fine tune the orientation of the endmost portion of the tube, drum, or other chute 2178). Because the chute is more easily moved than the main portion of the unmanned vehicle (e.g., optionally having an angular moment of inertia of less than 1 kilogram-square meter), its suitable actuator can make an adjustment (e.g., to the travel angle at the moment of release) of 2 degrees or more very quickly (e.g., in less than 100 milliseconds).

In some cases, such cartridges containing propagating bud capsules may be mass produced and maintained in a climate controlled environment, where both humidity and temperature are manually maintained below appropriate set points (e.g., set points below 80% and 80 degrees fahrenheit, respectively) until within 24 hours before they are installed (e.g., on an unmanned vehicle configured to perform single capsule deployment). Alternatively or additionally, some such cartridges may be configured to open such that one or more of the reproductive bud capsules 210, 2010 therein are thereby modified within the cartridge within 24 hours prior to individual deployment of a particular one of the reproductive bud capsules 210, 2010 therein (e.g., by exposing the reproductive bud capsules 210, 2010 therein to artificial heating or hydration).

Fig. 22 shows the system of fig. 21 with its targeting component being prepared to deploy another propagating bud capsule 2010D. As can be seen, the back side 2286 of the cartridge containing the capsules may be configured to open (e.g., temporarily removed) to allow one or more of the budding bud capsules 210, 2010 therein to thereby be modified inside the cartridge (e.g., by adding a flap, coating, or other capsule component through its rear opening) within 24 hours of individual capsule deployment. This may occur, for example, in the following cases: many experimental processes are performed on the capsules 210, 2010 (or sub-assemblies thereof) therein to determine how to improve yield would otherwise be possible only on a very limited scale (e.g., due to the long lead times required for cost-effective mass production of capsule sub-assemblies). Alternatively or additionally, the barrel may (optionally) implement a gravity feed hopper in which the propagating bud capsules 210, 2010 are all (nominally) aligned in parallel (e.g., in a downward diagonal direction 2296).

Further, in some variations, one or more changes to the structure or composition of each propagating bud capsule 210, 2010 may be made continuously en route within a staging subassembly (e.g., of an unmanned vehicle). This may occur, for example, in the following cases: the staging subassembly is configured to continuously pierce or otherwise cut into most or all of the propagule capsules 210, 2010 from a given cartridge during a single deployment of the unmanned vehicle. In some variations, for example, the grading subassembly may be configured to change the structure or composition (or both) of the first reproductive bud capsule 2010C prior to deployment of the first reproductive bud capsule 2010C, and also configured to change the structure or composition of the second reproductive bud capsule 2010D less than one minute after deployment of the first reproductive bud capsule 2010C and less than one minute before deployment of the second reproductive bud capsule 2010D.

Alternatively or additionally, the (variations of the) grading subassembly can be configured to (1) open the first valve 2283 such that the propagating bud capsule 2010D (e.g., urged by the loader 2265) can reach the grading position, (2) allow the grading subassembly to engage the propagating bud capsule 2010D at the grading position therein, (3) finely target the chute of the targeting subassembly to the target, and (4) allow the grading subassembly to release the propagating bud capsule 2010D via the finely targeted chute such that the propagating bud capsule 2010D has a precisely controlled direction 2281 relative to the downward direction 2282. This may occur, for example, in the following cases: the field of view 2276 of the one or more cameras 2206 of the payload overlaps with the extreme end portion of the chute, and when deciding when to release the propagating bud capsule 2010D toward the target, controls or accounts for (or both) the applied propellant pressure (e.g., from the tank 2262) accelerating the propagating bud capsule 2010D, and the gimbaled (one or more solenoids, servos, or other motor controls) fine-tunes the release angle of the chute using image data obtained from the one or more cameras 2206.

Fig. 23 illustrates a system 2300 in which propagating bud capsules 2310 (optionally, for example, as an example of a capsule 210) are staged for deployment via a release mechanism 2385 that includes several actuators 2333A-D. Prior to the configuration of fig. 23, one or more of the actuators 2333B-C are retracted (e.g., up and to the right) sufficiently to allow the propagating bud capsules 2310 to free-fall to the staging position as shown. This allows one or more positioning actuators 2333D (in the leftward/engaged position as shown) to engage the propagating bud capsule 2310 to stop the downward motion. With the reproductive bud capsule 231 there, the one or more piercing actuators 2333B are permitted to move to the engaged position (downwardly as shown) such that (the housing 2340 of) the reproductive bud capsule 2310 is pierced laterally (e.g., by the injector 2336 as shown). In some cases, one or more simultaneous additional punctures (e.g., to allow vented air to escape) may be appropriate, not shown. Finally, one or more plungers (e.g., instances of actuator 2333A) are actuated (e.g., by downward movement thereof).

Fig. 24 shows the system of fig. 23, with the propagating bud capsule in a higher-level staging state by injection 2301 (e.g., an aqueous mixture or gel) nearly filling the cavity of the propagating bud capsule 2310. At the same time, the other valve is opened, causing chamber 2484 to be pressurized from the pressurized canister 2262 on the unmanned vehicle to a calibrated launch pressure (e.g., greater than 2 atmospheres). And when the dedicated targeting circuitry determines that the current position of the chute is sufficiently above the target, a slight (rightward) movement of the one or more release actuators 2333C allows the propagule capsule 2310 to be rapidly accelerated toward its target.

In some variations, one or more systems 2300 described herein implement a grading subassembly configured to change the composition of a propagating bud capsule 2310 (e.g., as an example of one or more other capsules described herein) by depositing an injection 2301 into the first propagating bud capsule prior to deploying (e.g., releasing or launching) the first propagating bud capsule, and further configured to change the composition of a second propagating bud capsule by depositing an injection 2301 into the second propagating bud capsule less than one minute after deploying the first propagating bud capsule 2010C and less than one minute before deploying the second propagating bud capsule. This may occur, for example, if any such modification (e.g., as injection 2301) would not be feasible due to premature structural degradation of its housing 2340, which would prevent successful targeting and sufficient depth of ground penetration.

Fig. 25 shows a system 2500 containing a just-deployed propagule capsule that is about to undergo water-induced degradation (e.g., rupture of a housing 2540 similar to other substrates described herein). This may occur, for example, where the dry weight of the artificial water conduit is mostly the growth medium constructed and arranged to undergo a volumetric expansion of more than 20% when hydrated (e.g., as the volume expansion of the compressed and dried peat 162 when saturated with water). Alternatively or additionally, where the substrate comprises a shell 240, 2540, it advantageously balances initial structural integrity (i.e., upon deployment of an individual capsule) with preventing compressive damage to the propagating bud(s) by having its (at least) longitudinal shell portion (e.g., the water-soluble adhesive material 145 within the seam 2508) have a water solubility of greater than 5 grams/liter. Such features may be used to accelerate the breaking of the substrate so that one or more roots may emerge through the substrate and into surrounding soil 2599. See fig. 24. Moreover, in some variations, soil contacting outer surface 2568A may be sufficiently absorbent to absorb water from surrounding soil 2599.

Fig. 26 shows the deployed propagule capsule of fig. 25 that has undergone significant degradation by water (e.g., hours or days after deployment). Thus, a growth medium that has absorbed a significant amount of water has a volume expansion upon hydration of greater than 20% (e.g., as does the volume expansion of peat 162 that has been compressed and dried upon saturation with water). This may be accelerated, for example, where mass-produced capsule subassemblies of a particular type (e.g., make and model) have been found to be low in yield and capsule processing that affects capsule composition or structure (or both) within 24 hours of single capsule deployment may improve yield. Regardless of the approach taken, it is generally desirable to balance initial structural integrity (i.e., upon single capsule deployment) with other factors that may promote higher survival rates or similar bioassays as described above (e.g., by increasing the instances of a rupture 2606 through which the roots may emerge more frequently, particularly in a downward direction). See fig. 27 to 28.

Fig. 27 shows a deployed propagule capsule in which the housing 240, 2540 includes a plurality of substantially longitudinal guides 2786 (e.g., more vertical than horizontal ribs or grooves as shown) to redirect the (low-yielding) lateral root growth down (higher yielding) of (the roots 2787 of) one or more propagules. Alternatively or additionally, in some variations, soil-contacting outer surface 2568B of housing 2540 may be sufficiently absorbent to absorb water from the surrounding soil after capsule deployment, thereby accelerating degradation of housing 2540 and thereby promoting root growth.

Fig. 28 shows the deployed propagule capsule of fig. 27 in which the root directing structure has directed downward growth of the initially laterally-growing root.

Fig. 29 illustrates various configurations of a planting system 2900 that incorporates a "wide base" propagating bud capsule. Such capsules may be configured to receive one or more propagules in a bore 2968 or a similarly concave portion of (a side of) the first layer 2931 of one or more (amorphous or other) porous dry growth media 126. In various embodiments, a substantial volume of the first layer 2931 may comprise dried compressed coir 161 or peat 162 (or some combination of these). Alternatively or additionally, the first layer 2931 can include diatomaceous earth or other such suitable porous media. As used herein, a "broad base" propagule capsule refers to a propagule capsule with a base diameter 242, 2942 greater than 3 centimeters. This is in contrast to smaller footprint capsules (e.g., as depicted in fig. 22-28 above) that are typically deployed along a forward trajectory and feature a single forwardmost portion (e.g., designed to pierce the ground). As shown, the planting system 2900 is configured to retain one or more propagating buds in each occupied concave portion with filler material containing adhesive (see fig. 31) or a biodegradable sealing cover 2936 (or both).

Fig. 30 shows features of another planting system 3000 incorporating "wide base" propagating bud capsules having (nominal maximum capsule) thicknesses 241, 3041 (e.g., between 1mm and 30 mm), optionally also incorporating features of system 2900. As shown, each of the (opposing) sides 3091 to 3092 has a plurality of bores 2968 configured to receive seeds 107 or other propagating buds 207, each bore covered with a biodegradable sealing cover 2936. In some variations, such recessed portions may penetrate through a majority of the capsule thickness 241, 3041 (optionally configured to each have a depth sufficient to penetrate through a majority of the capsule thickness 241, 3041), as shown. Alternatively or additionally, such coverings 2936 on one or both major sides may cover most of the sides with a (nominally) smooth and slippery surface to facilitate deployment (e.g., from a stack or similar gravity-fed arrangement) and provide only a (nominally) slight barrier to seedling growth. Further, in some variations, such a covering 2936 may leave the outermost portions of the sides uncovered, so as to absorb incidental deposits (e.g., into the first layer 2931) when it is available (e.g., has not yet evaporated).

Fig. 31 illustrates features of another planting system 3100 incorporating a wide-base propagule capsule 210, optionally also incorporating one or more of the features described in fig. 29-30. As shown, the drone-carried sleeve 3188 or other cartridges of the field-selected type 3141 and capacity 3142 contain one or more stacks 3189 of disk-type reproductive bud capsules 210, 3110 of the field-selected type 3111 (e.g., identified with labels like "1-sided small disks" or "2-sided small disks with fir and grass seeds") and a footprint 3112 (e.g., between 5 and 100 square centimeters). The designation of "2-sided" may refer to a primary side 3161 and a secondary side 3162, each containing such propagating buds 3107 in their respective recessed portions 3168, allowing the capsules to be deployed in a tumbling trajectory 3197. Such deployment may be accomplished with a linear actuation type loader 3165 via one or more tilt guides 3195. The recessed portion 3168 on each side 3161-3162 may be covered with a coating or biodegradable sealing covering 2936 having a thickness 3159 on the order of 0.1 millimeters. Alternatively or additionally, the slightly greater thickness 3158 of the one or more media 126, 3126 (e.g., within an order of 0.2 millimeters) may be effective to prevent rodent predation (e.g., provided that it is continuous or any of its top side openings are small enough to be sealed with the fixative without substantially impeding seedling growth). In some variations, the propagating sprouts 3107 may also be (lightly) protected by a coating 3118 or filling material 3170 containing one or more olfactory or gustatory pest deterrents 3171 or fertilizer (or both). Such modifiers 3171 may include one or more olfactory or gustatory pest deterrents (e.g., ghost peppers or similar pungent materials exceeding 5000 scovy caloric units) or fertilizers (e.g., blood meal or other animal by-products). Alternatively or additionally, such filler material 3170 may include one or more effective water-absorbing materials (e.g., pieces of diatomaceous earth or fibrous materials). One or more granular compressed growth media 126, 3126 may also be used in this packing material 3170, provided that appropriate care is taken to avoid pinching off seedlings or roots with excess fixative 3172. If the filler material 3170 or other growth medium 126 is "highly" granular or porous (or both), this corresponds to capsule components made therefrom that contain "large amounts" of interstitial gas 173 (i.e., more than 2% of the shell 240, 2340 or cavity), as further described herein.

Fig. 32 illustrates features of another planting system 3200 that incorporates a propagating bud capsule 3210 that falls by a planting module 3250 toward a planting point 3255. In some cases, factory-configured planting modules 3250 of various types 3251 and capacities 3252 may be provided at remote locations and mated with an appropriate number and type 3231 of compatible vehicles 3230 (e.g., flying drones). In some variations, large reproductive buds (i.e., longer than 5 millimeters in diameter, for example) such as some acorns may be deployed in the clamshell capsule 3210 such that a single reproductive bud effectively extends into the recessed portion 3168 of the two layers 3231-3232. Because this type 3211 (capsule footprint 3212 exceeding 10 square centimeters) and thickness 3241(2-5 centimeters) of capsules 3210 severely limits the capsule count that each cartridge can withstand, in a single hybrid deployment on a single flight or route (e.g., needle trees planted at some sites 3255 and oak trees planted at other sites), it is contemplated that a single vehicle may simultaneously carry one or more cartridges with a higher capsule count (e.g., where each of a large number of capsules 3110 in the stack has a smaller thickness 241, 3041) and a cartridge 3288 with a lower capsule count (i.e., capable of containing only a relatively smaller number of capsules 3110 than the cartridges with the higher capsule count also on-board).

In some variations, the planting module 3250 can be of the type 3251 configured to include a selective first removable sleeve 3188 or other first cartridge 3288 (such that the planting module 3250 can remain attached to the vehicle 3230 (e.g., drones 431, 1231) with one or more other sleeves 3188 or cartridges 3288, e.g., remaining in place). Alternatively or additionally, the planting module 3250 may be released from the vehicle 3230 (e.g., at the discharge position) during its flight as an automated and conditional response to completing the planting deployment phase of the programmed route 1323 (e.g., the first sleeve 3188 or along which most or all of the propagating bud capsules 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 within the sleeve 3288 are deployed). In some variations, for example, the same programming route 1323 requires that the vehicle 3230 advance to the next (loaded) planting module 3250 or station (e.g., configured for battery or fuel cell replacement) immediately after such release (e.g., within one minute).

Also shown in fig. 32 is an electric tower 3249 configured to support several high voltage lines (as an example of a conventional utility grid conduit 3248) for comparison to an installed grid accessible location. As used herein, a zone 250 is "remote" if the zone 250 is more than 100 meters from any tower supported, buried, or other conventional utility grid piping. As used herein, a utility grid conduit is "conventional" if it is an installed power line or a power cord operatively coupled to draw power therefrom (e.g., via a permanently structured wall outlet).

Referring now to fig. 33, a power distribution system 3300 suitable for charging a plurality of lithium-based battery cells 365F-J is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments. One or more power sources (not shown) are operably coupled to provide power in the remote location 250 to one or more chargers 366, each charger 366 being operably coupled to one or more lithium-based battery cells 365F-J. A number of small compartment holes 569A-E are provided so that the respective batteries are protected from each other during such charging. For example, DC power 368 may be routed to one or more chargers 366 (as shown in fig. 3) such that tens or more of the battery cells 365 may be charged while residing in respective small compartment holes 569 having outward facing vents 3347 (e.g., cross-sectional area 3348 greater than 5 square centimeters). As used herein, vented or otherwise facing "outward" generally refers to away from the center of the motor vehicle or other structure of a portion thereof, and not directly toward any other battery-receiving small compartment aperture 569 within 1 meter.

This may occur, for example, in the following cases: one or more layers 3330 have a (median aggregate or other nominal) thickness 3332 on the order of 1 to 5 centimeters; the nominal R factor 3334 between successive cells 365H-I is between 1 and 10m²Within the order of Kelvin/Watt, wherein the first lithium-based battery cell thereafter contains energy within the order of 100-; and conduction or degradation of such layer 3330 would otherwise allow thermal runaway (i.e., greater than 500 degrees) in one small compartment hole 569D to trigger a chain reaction in one or more adjacent small compartment holes 569C by which the lithium-based cells 365H ignite and endanger other nearby cells 365F-G. In some variations, for example, the material 3333 may include a flame retardant component 3335 (e.g., gypsum) having a melting temperature above 500 degrees celsius to facilitate a total charge rate per vehicle 230 on the order of 50-500 kilowatts, in some variations even without having to unload the charging device from such a vehicle. Even though burning lithium-based battery cells 569D may sometimes trigger flame temperatures as high as 850 degrees celsius, this innovative charging system 300, 3300 may still make remote drone swarm deployment viable on a large scale by safely remotely simultaneously recharging dozens or more lithium-based battery cells 365. This may be a gaming rule in forestry or other environments where an agricultural or other drone fleet would be unsafe for such deployment away from any established power grid.

Fig. 34 shows a flow chart of operations related to aerial deployment planting. Operation 3415 depicts gathering data (a dedicated circuit on the scout drone 431, 1231 or other unmanned vehicle gathers raw data 1220 of material on a planting area (e.g., zone 250) that includes, for example, the first microdomain or other planting point 255, 3255).

Operation 3420 depicts storing data (e.g., a dedicated circuit at a site stores raw data 1220 for the material on planting point 3255).

Operation 3430 depicts defining the first micro-pattern as a suitable planting area (e.g., a dedicated circuit at the site generates or accepts a decision to plant the area).

Operation 3445 describes placing the propagating sprouts into the propagating sprout capsules 210 (e.g., dedicated circuitry in the factory robot assembles the propagating sprouts 3107 into capsule subassemblies or the capsule subassemblies into propagating sprout capsules 210, 3110). This may occur, for example, where such an assembly further includes a loading sleeve 3188 or other cartridge with a propagule capsule 210, 3110.

Operation 3455 describes deploying the unmanned vehicle to a planting area having a plurality of loaded propagule capsules 210 (e.g., dedicated circuitry at the site directs the unmanned vehicle to begin a planting route for the next planting area).

Operation 3460 begins the loop.

Operation 3470 depicts a determination that the unmanned vehicle is within range of the unplanted target (e.g., a dedicated circuit on the unmanned vehicle successfully moves so that the next planted target is currently within range).

Operation 3475 describes launching a propagule capsule targeted and landed within a respective microdomain (e.g., dedicated circuitry on the unmanned vehicle successfully triggers the launch 3110 of the propagule capsule targeted and landed within the respective microdomain).

Operation 3480 moves control to the next iteration of the loop unless all available microdisk are implanted or it is time to reload.

Fig. 35 illustrates a flow chart 3500 of operations related to artificially enhancing a deployment plant. Operation 3510 describes obtaining a plurality of reproductive buds each having a diameter on the order of 3 millimeters (a factory or field deployment worker prepares or purchases tens or hundreds of reproductive buds 207, 3107 each having a length 3209 of, for example, greater than 0.3mm and less than 3 centimeters).

Operation 3520 describes a start cycle.

Operation 3530 describes deploying one or more propagating buds in a propagating bud capsule having a thickness on the order of 1 centimeter, a diameter on the order of 10cm, and a footprint greater than 3 square centimeters (e.g., an assembly machine or worker deploying one or more propagating buds into a disc or similar capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 having a thickness 241 on the order of 1 centimeter, a diameter 242 on the order of 10cm, and a footprint 212 greater than 5 square centimeters). This may occur, for example, in the following cases: the capsule design requires drying the compressed peat 162, coir 161 or similar hydrated activated expanded growth media 126, 3126 to make up the majority of the volume of each finished capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210.

Operation 3540 begins the next iteration of the loop unless the desired set of propagating bud capsules is prepared.

Operation 3550 describes loading the resulting plurality of dry propagule capsules into a chamber shorter than 1 meter (e.g., an assembly machine or worker loads a stack 3189 of dry propagule capsules 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 into a sleeve 3188 or the like having a vertical capacity 3142 of less than 1 meter). This may occur, for example, in the following cases: each of the propagating bud capsules 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 has a thickness 241, 3041 of 1 to 5cm and the height of the stack 3189, plurality or other capsule supply is less than the height of 20 to 100 capsules.

Operation 3560 describes deploying the drone 431, carrying the chamber to the vicinity of the sample (e.g., a field deployment worker or station deploys the drone 431, 1231, carrying the sleeve 3188 or other capsule supply within the deployment range of the target planting point 3255).

Operation 3570 describes deploying the first dry propagule capsule to fall on a tumbling trajectory via the inclined guide such that the first dry propagule capsule falls above and adjacent (over or otherwise) to the microregion with its primary side (e.g., flying or other vehicle 3230 deploys the first dry propagule capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 via inclined guide 3195 to fall on a tumbling trajectory 3197 such that the first dry propagule capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 falls on a microtest with its primary side 3161 closer to the microregion than the secondary side 3162). This may occur, for example, in the following cases: this placement allows groundwater, dew or rain water to eventually perfuse the dry and highly compressed growth media 126, 3126 (e.g., by capillary action), thereby triggering volume expansion; the volume expansion causes the propagating sprouts 207, 3107 to grow upward through the medium 126, 3126; local hydration allows at least one root 2787 from one or more reproductive buds 207, 3107 to grow down into the micro-plots; and wherein such survival and growth would otherwise require excessively expensive human intervention.

Fig. 36 shows a flow 3600 of operations related to artificially enhancing a deployment plant. Operation 3615 describes configuring one or more dry growth media in the first layer such that the thickness of the first layer is on the order of 1 centimeter and such that the diameter of the first layer is greater than twice its thickness (an assembly machine or worker fits the one or more dry growth media 126, 3126 in the first layer 2931, 3231 such that the thickness 241, 3041 of the first layer 2931, 3231 is on the order of 1 centimeter and such that the thickness of the diameter 242, 2942 of the first layer 2931, 3231 is greater than twice its thickness 241, 3041).

Operation 3625 describes forming recessed portions on the primary and secondary (opposite) sides of the first layer, the recessed portions each including a bore extending through a majority of the thickness of the first layer (e.g., an assembly machine or worker forms bores or grooves on the primary and secondary (opposite) sides 3161, 3162 of the first layers 2931, 3231, the recessed portions 3168 each including a bore 2968 extending through a majority of the thickness 3041 of the first layers 2931, 3231).

Operation 3645 describes at least partially retaining the first propagating bud within the concave portion of the major side by attaching a biodegradable sealing cover to the major side of the first layer with more than half of the first propagating bud exposed to air (e.g., an assembly machine or worker attaches a paper or other biodegradable sealing cover 2936 to the major side 3091 of the first layer 2931, 3231 to at least partially retain one or more propagating buds 207, 3107 within the concave portion 3168 of the major side 3161). This may occur, for example, in the following cases: the biodegradable sealing cover 2936 comprises a water-soluble polymer or similar smooth material adhered to the major planar surface of the major side 3091, wherein the (coated or otherwise) reproductive buds 207, 3107 are surrounded by one or more filler materials 3170 (with components), the filler material 3170 having sufficient particle size such that more than half of the (surface area of the) first reproductive buds are exposed to gas 173 (e.g., air or nitrogen) to facilitate use of water and proper drainage, wherein the one or more growth media 126, 3126 above the deployed capsule 3110 is sufficient to conceal the seeds or other germinating reproductive buds 3107 and is insufficient to impair upward growth; and the biodegradable sealing cover and the filler material 3170 are not reliably effective in preventing rodents from preying on the reproductive buds.

Operation 3655 describes at least partially retaining the second propagating bud within the concave portion of the secondary side by attaching a biodegradable sealing cover to the secondary side of the first layer with more than half of the second propagating bud exposed to the gas (e.g., an assembly machine or worker attaches a biodegradable sealing cover 2936 to the secondary side 3092 of the first layer 2931, 3231 to at least partially retain one or more propagating buds 207, 3107 within the concave portion 3168 thereof). In some variations, the propagating buds on the primary side 3091 and the secondary side 3092 may be of the same species to enhance the likelihood that at least one such propagating bud will survive. This may occur, for example, in the following cases: any such propagating buds on secondary side 3092 will be eaten; the deployed roll trajectory 3197 is optionally implemented to replace any effective mechanism for ensuring that the primary side 3091 will fall below the secondary side 3092; a 50% yield loss due to predation would be unacceptable; the final determination of the primary side 3091 is only made at the time of deployment of each capsule; and larger amounts of adhesive or other obstructions that would otherwise hinder capsule production by presenting a literature barrier that each fragile seedling must pierce before reaching planting point 255.

Operation 3665 describes deploying the resulting dry propagule capsule to fall on a tumbling trajectory such that the dry propagule capsule falls with its major side on or adjacent to the planting point, and whereby the first layer protects the first propagule from rodent predation for a sufficient time to grow roots from the first propagule to the planting point (e.g., a field deployment worker or station deployment drone 431, 1231, a carrying sleeve 3188 or other capsule supply configured to activate a capsule release actuator within a deployment range of the target planting point 3255). This may occur in the following cases: operation 3665 is an integral part of operation 3570 and the recording of such actuations remains integrated with contemporaneous context data (photographic data from camera 2206 or coordinates from a positioning system on the drone). Alternatively or additionally, the capsule release actuator may be implemented as a respective linear actuator positioned adjacent each of several sleeves 3188 on the drone.

FIG. 37 shows a flow chart of operations related to over-the-air deployment. Operation 3710 depicts configuring one or more power sources as described herein (e.g., directly or otherwise coupling one or more generators or other first power sources 352 by a system operator to provide AC power directly or otherwise through a first current limiting isolation switch 353, a first cam lock interface 354 and to one or more AC/DC converters 358).

Operation 3720 describes routing power to charge at least four battery cells as described herein (e.g., directly or otherwise configuring a power assembly by a system operator to carry DC power 368 from an AC/DC conversion unit to one or more chargers 366 via one or more DC buses 359 having a controlled voltage 374 to simultaneously charge first, second, third, and fourth lithium-based battery cells 365A-D therethrough). For example, this situation may occur such that each charged lithium-based battery cell 365A thereof contains stored energy in excess of 400 watt-hours (Wh).

Operation 3730 describes configuring a motor vehicle as described herein (e.g., a truck, helicopter, bus, or other single motor vehicle 230 to haul hardware as in fig. 3, either in person or otherwise assembled by a system operator).

Operation 3740 describes powering the drone as described herein (e.g., personal or otherwise by a system operator configuring the drone 431, 1231 to be at least partially powered by the first lithium-based battery cell 365, the first lithium-based battery cell 365 being configured to facilitate a first deployment of the macro-propagating bud capsule 210, 2910, 3010 therein, and further being configured to facilitate germination thereof (propagating bud 207, 2907) by remotely dispersing the macro-propagating bud capsule 210, 2910, 3010).

Operation 3750 describes powering another drone in a similar manner. In some variations, for example, the third and fourth lithium-based battery cells 365 are charged separately while the first and second lithium-based battery cells are charged simultaneously via one or more DC buses 359.

Operation 3760 describes reloading the first drone (e.g., by a system operator, either personally or otherwise, loading a number of additional propagule capsules 210, 2910, 3010 on the first drone 431, 1231, and replacing the first lithium-based cell 365A with a third lithium-based cell 365C after the first drone deployment) as described herein.

Operation 3770 describes reloading the second drone as described herein (e.g., by a system operator, either personally or otherwise, loading a number of additional propagule capsules 210, 2910, 3010 on the second drone 431, 1231, and replacing the second lithium-based battery cell 365B with a fourth lithium-based battery cell 365D after a previous deployment of the second drone).

Following these operations, the flow 3700 may also include operations similar to powering the first drone 431, 1231 (at least) by a third lithium-based battery cell 365C that is configured to facilitate the deployment of (at least some of) the quantity of additional propagating bud capsules 210, 2910, 3010, and is also configured to facilitate (cause, facilitate, or otherwise) the germination of its propagating buds 207, 2907 (e.g., by remotely dispersing the quantity of additional propagating bud capsules 210, 2910, 3010). The process 3700 may also include powering the second drone 431, 1231 via a fourth lithium-based battery unit 365D configured to facilitate deployment of a number of additional propagule capsules 210, 2910, 3010 and also configured to facilitate germination thereof (e.g., by remotely dispersing a number of other propagule capsules 210, 2910, 3010).

In accordance with the teachings herein, a great deal of prior art may be applied to configure special purpose circuits or other structures that may be effectively used to configure structures and materials as described herein without undue experimentation. See, for example, U.S. publication No. 2018/0077855 ("Seed platform Using Air Process"), U.S. publication No. 2018/0075834 ("Noise accounting for early Vehicle"), U.S. publication No. 2018/0035606 ("Smart Interactive and Autonomous Property professional application, System, and Method (files Bar Spots, es Gimbal Gyroscope)"), U.S. publication No. 2018/0024570 ("Gimbal Universal one Controller"), U.S. publication No. 2018/0024422 ("Gimbal seeing Battery filling Mechanism"), U.S. publication No. 2018/0000028 ("Multi-Media Structure testing Growth Environment applications"), U.S. publication No. 2017/0359943 ("Modal testing System discovery No. 2017/0288976"), U.S. publication No. System publication No. 2018/0075834 ("software discovery Association and System discovery No. 8678"), and, U.S. publication No. 2017/0285927 ("Host Applications of modulated Assembly Systems"), U.S. publication No. 2017/0282091 ("modulated Assembly Systems"), U.S. publication No. 2017/0029109 ("Aircraft selected Broadcasting Systems, Applications and Methods"), U.S. publication No. 2016/0234997 ("Systems and Methods for Material feeding"), U.S. publication No. 2011/0303137 ("Seedsensor System and Method for Improved selected Count and selected Spacing"), U.S. publication No. 2011/0035999 ("Structures and Method for adapting a Display apparatus to a curable selected and a curable Plant Carrying the Structure and/or the Display apparatus"), U.S. publication No. 2009/0107370 ("depositing Devices, Structures, and Methods"), and U.S. publication No. 2006/0042530 ("Product for and Method of improving selected Using ingredients"). These documents are incorporated herein by reference to the extent they are not inconsistent herewith.

With respect to the numbered clauses and claims expressed below, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the operations described therein may generally be performed in any order. Further, while the various operational flows are presented in a sequential order, it should be understood that the various operations may be performed in other orders than that shown, or may be performed concurrently. Examples of such alternative orderings may include overlapping, interleaving, interrupting, reordering, incremental, preliminary, supplemental, simultaneous, reverse, or other variant orderings, unless the context dictates otherwise. Moreover, unless the context dictates otherwise, terms such as "responsive to," "related to …," or other past tense adjectives are generally not intended to exclude such variations. Moreover, in the numbered clauses below, particular combinations of aspects and embodiments are set forth in shorthand form such that (1) for each instance that a "component" or other such identifier appears to be introduced (e.g., has "a" or "an") more than once in a given chain of clauses, such designation may identify the same entity or different entities, according to the respective embodiment; and (2) what may be referred to below as "dependent" clauses may or may not incorporate the features of the "independent" clause to which it refers, or other features described above, in the respective embodiments.

Clause and subclause

(independent) a method of propagating sprout growth promotion or other population support comprising:

obtaining a first reproductive bud capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210, the first reproductive bud capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 produced by forming a fibrous or granular (slurry or otherwise) mixture 113 of one or more base materials (e.g., coir 161 or peat 162) and one or more supplements 142;

carrying the first propagating bud capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 with a first aerial vehicle/drone 431, 1231 to the planting site 255; and

automatically depositing the first propagating bud capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 to the planting point 255 such that the fibrous or granular mixture 113 draws water at the planting point 255 into contact with the first propagating bud 207, 3107 of the first propagating bud capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210; wherein the one or more supplements 142 in the fibrous or granular mixture 113 accelerate the growth of the first reproductive buds 207, 3107 through the fibrous or granular mixture 113 into the planting site 255.

(independent) a method of propagating sprout growth promotion or other population support comprising:

obtaining a plurality of reproductive buds 207, 1907, 2007, 3107, each reproductive bud having a diameter (e.g., length 3209) within the order of 3 millimeters;

disposing one or more propagating sprouts 207, 1907, 2007, 3107 in a first propagating sprout capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210, the first propagating sprout capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 having a diameter 242, 2942 in the order of a thickness 241, 3041, 10cm in the order of 1 cm and a footprint 212, 3112, 3212 of greater than 5 square centimeters, and such that a majority of the volume of the first propagating sprout capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 comprises growth medium 126, 3126;

loading a plurality of propagating bud capsules 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 comprising a first propagating bud capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 into a first aerial vehicle/drone 431, 1231;

deploying an aerial vehicle/drone 431, 1231 carrying a propagating bud capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 to the vicinity 1596 of the first planting point 255; and

deploying the first propagating bud capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 drops such that the first propagating bud capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 drops with its first side 3161 oriented above and near the first planting point 255, wherein the local hydration 2094 subsequently causes at least one root from the one or more propagating buds 207, 1907, 2007, 3107 to grow out of the propagating bud capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 and root at the first planting point 255.

3. The method of method clause 1 or clause 2, wherein the first aircraft/drone is a drone 431, 1231.

4. The method of clause 1 or clause 2, wherein the first aircraft/drone is an aircraft.

(independent) a method of propagating sprout growth promotion or other population support comprising:

configuring the one or more drying mediums 126, 3126 in the first layer 2931, 3231 such that the thickness 241, 3041 of the first layer 2931, 3231 is within the order of 1 centimeter;

forming one or more recessed portions 208 on a first side 3161 of the first layer 2931, 3231 and forming one or more recessed portions 208 on a second side 3162 of the first layer 2931, 3231;

retaining the first reproductive bud body at least partially within the recessed portion of the first side 3161 by attaching the biodegradable sealing cover 2936 to the first side 3091, 3161 of the first layer 2931, 3231;

holding the second reproductive buds at least partially within the recessed portion of the second side 3162 by attaching a biodegradable sealing cover 2936 to the second side 3162 of the first layer 2931, 3231 to assemble the first reproductive bud capsule 210; and

the first propagating bud capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 is deployed such that it lands on or near the planting point 255 on a first side 3161.

(independent) a method of propagating sprout growth promotion or other population support comprising:

configuring the one or more drying mediums 126, 3126 in the first layer 2931, 3231 such that the thickness 241, 3041 of the first layer 2931, 3231 is within the order of 1 centimeter;

forming one or more recessed portions 208 on a first side 3161 of the first layer 2931, 3231 and forming one or more recessed portions 208 on a second side 3162 of the first layer 2931, 3231;

retaining the first reproductive bud body at least partially within the recessed portion of the first side 3161 by attaching the biodegradable sealing cover 2936 to the first side 3091, 3161 of the first layer 2931, 3231;

holding the second reproductive buds at least partially within the recessed portion of the second side 3162 by attaching a biodegradable sealing cover 2936 to the second side 3162 of the first layer 2931, 3231 to assemble the first reproductive bud capsule 210; and

the first propagating bud capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 is deployed such that it lands on or near the planting point 255 on a first side 3161.

(independent) a method of propagating sprout growth promotion or other population support comprising:

obtaining a first current limiting disconnect switch 353;

obtaining one or more alternating current-to-direct current (AC/DC) converters 358;

transporting (at least) a first power supply 352, a first current limiting disconnect switch 353, one or more AC/DC converters 358, one or more Direct Current (DC) buses 359, and one or more chargers 366 on one or more motor vehicles 230 to a first remote zone 250 greater than 100 meters from any conventional utility grid piping 3248;

configuring (by operably coupling) a first power supply 352 to provide Alternating Current (AC) power (directly or otherwise) through a first current limiting disconnect switch 353 and to one or more alternating current-to-direct current (AC/DC) converters 358A-C at the first remote zone 250;

routing DC power 368 from the one or more AC/DC converters 358 to the one or more chargers 366 via the one or more DC buses 359 to simultaneously charge a plurality of battery cells 365 including first and second lithium-based battery cells 365 such that the plurality of battery cells 365 are simultaneously charged at the first remote zone 250; and

the first and second aerial vehicles/drones 431 and 1231 at the first remote zone 250 are powered by the first and second lithium-based battery units, respectively, to obtain (onboard data 1215 or otherwise) raw data 1220 for fostering reproductive bud growth in accordance with forestry or other agricultural techniques (survey, planting, revising, or otherwise) as known or described herein.

8. The method of any of the above method clauses, wherein simultaneously powering, by the first lithium-based battery unit and the second lithium-based battery unit, respectively, the first aircraft/drone and the second aircraft/drone at a first remote zone greater than 100 meters from any conventional utility grid conduit comprises:

multiple aircraft/drones 431, 1231 are deployed at the remote zone 250, each aircraft/drone simultaneously including many payloads (e.g., capsules or other materials to be delivered) for a total payload greater than 5 kilograms.

9. The method of any of the above method clauses, wherein simultaneously powering, by the first lithium-based battery unit and the second lithium-based battery unit, respectively, the first aircraft/drone and the second aircraft/drone at a first remote zone greater than 100 meters from any conventional utility grid conduit comprises:

a plurality of aerial vehicles/drones 431, 1231 are configured at the remote zone 250, each carrying thousands of reproductive buds 207, 1907, 2007, 3107 at the same time.

10. The method of any of the above method clauses, wherein simultaneously powering, by the first lithium-based battery unit and the second lithium-based battery unit, respectively, the first aircraft/drone and the second aircraft/drone at a first remote zone greater than 100 meters from any conventional utility grid conduit comprises:

a plurality of aerial vehicles/drones 431, 1231 are configured at the remote zone 250, each carrying more than 2kg of propagating buds 207, 1907, 2007, 3107 simultaneously.

11. The method of any of the above method clauses, wherein simultaneously powering, by the first lithium-based battery unit and the second lithium-based battery unit, respectively, the first aircraft/drone and the second aircraft/drone at a first remote zone greater than 100 meters from any conventional utility grid conduit comprises:

a plurality of aerial vehicles/drones 431, 1231 are configured at the remote zone 250, each aerial vehicle/drone simultaneously including (e.g., as a result of each aerial vehicle/drone being carried or being carried by a sleeve 3188 or similar module containing propagating buds) a total payload of greater than 1 kilogram.

12. The method according to any of the above method clauses wherein the first binder material 145 thereof comprises about 0.3% to 3% by weight of the fibrous or granular mixture.

13. The method according to any of the above method clauses wherein the first binder material 145 thereof comprises about 0.3% by weight of the fibrous or granular mixture.

14. The method according to any of the above method clauses wherein the first binder material 145 thereof comprises about 3% by weight of the fibrous or granular mixture.

15. The method of any of the above method clauses, comprising:

the fibrous or granular mixture 113 is heated in the mold 109 and most of its water is allowed to evaporate (has time to evaporate).

16. The method of any of the above method clauses, comprising:

using a factory mold 109, the factory mold 109 (when cured) is configured to exert significant pressure (e.g., within an order of 15 atmospheres) on the compressible components of its growth medium 126, such that hydration from the planting point 255 subsequently triggers a substantial volume expansion of the first propagating bud capsules 210, 2010, 3110, 3210.

17. The method of any of the above method clauses, comprising:

using a factory mold 109, the factory mold 109 is configured to exert significant pressure (e.g., within the order of 15 atmospheres) on the compressible components of its growth medium 126, such that hydration from the planting point 255 subsequently triggers a substantial volume expansion of the first propagating bud capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210.

18. The method of any of the above method clauses, wherein routing DC power 368 from one or more AC/DC converters 358 to one or more chargers 366 includes:

the first and second lithium-based battery cells 365 are simultaneously charged within respective adjacent first and second (outwardly facing or otherwise) small compartment holes 569, the first and second small compartment holes 569 separated by one or more materials 3333 (layer 3330 comprising material 3333), the material 3333 having a nominal (aggregate or otherwise overall median) thickness 3332 on the order of 1 centimeter.

19. The method of any of the above method clauses, wherein routing DC power 368 from one or more AC/DC converters 358 to one or more chargers 366 includes:

the first and second lithium-based battery cells 365 are simultaneously charged within respective adjacent first and second (outwardly facing or otherwise) small compartment holes 569, the first and second small compartment holes 569 separated by one or more materials 3333 (layer 3330 comprising material 3333), the material 3333 having a nominal (aggregate or otherwise overall median) thickness 3332 on the order of 5 centimeters.

20. The method of any of the above method clauses, wherein routing DC power 368 from one or more AC/DC converters 358 to one or more chargers 366 includes:

the first and second lithium-based battery cells 365 are simultaneously charged within respective adjacent first and second (outwardly facing or otherwise) small compartment holes 569, the first and second small compartment holes 569 separated by one or more materials 3333 (including a layer 3330 of material 3330) having a nominal (aggregate or otherwise overall median) R-factor 3334 between the materials 3333 that is within an order of 1m 2 kelvin/watt.

21. The method of any of the above method clauses, wherein routing DC power 368 from one or more AC/DC converters 358 to one or more chargers 366 includes:

the first and second lithium-based battery cells 365 are simultaneously charged within respective adjacent first and second (outwardly facing or otherwise) outwardly vented small compartment holes 569, the first and second small compartment holes 569 separated by one or more (layers 3330 comprising a material 3333) materials 3333, the materials 3333 having a nominal (aggregate or other total median) R-factor 3334 between them within the order of 10m 2 kelvin/watt.

22. The method of any of the above method clauses, wherein routing DC power 368 from one or more AC/DC converters 358 to one or more chargers 366 includes:

the plurality of battery cells 365 are all charged simultaneously within the first remote zone 250 at a total charge rate 369 in the order of 50 kilowatts per motor vehicle.

23. The method of any of the above method clauses, wherein routing DC power 368 from one or more AC/DC converters 358 to one or more chargers 366 includes:

the plurality of lithium-based battery cells 365 are charged such that the first lithium-based battery cell 365 thereafter contains energy on the order of 100 watt-hours (Wh).

24. The method of any of the above method clauses, wherein routing DC power 368 from one or more AC/DC converters 358 to one or more chargers 366 includes:

the plurality of lithium-based battery cells 365 are charged such that the first lithium-based battery cell 365 thereafter contains energy in the order of 1000 watt-hours (Wh).

25. The method of any of the above method clauses, wherein routing DC power 368 from one or more AC/DC converters 358 to one or more chargers 366 includes:

a plurality of lithium-based battery cells 365, including first and second lithium-based battery cells 365, are simultaneously charged at a total charge rate 369 within the first remote zone 250 in the order of 50 kilowatts with each of the one or more mobile vehicles 230.

26. The method of any of the above method clauses, wherein routing DC power 368 from one or more AC/DC converters 358 to one or more chargers 366 includes:

a plurality of lithium-based battery cells 365, including first and second lithium-based battery cells 365, are simultaneously charged at a total charge rate 369 within the first remote zone 250 in the order of 500 kilowatts with each of the one or more mobile vehicles 230.

27. The method of any of the above method clauses, wherein routing DC power 368 from one or more AC/DC converters 358 to one or more chargers 366 includes:

a plurality of lithium-based battery cells 365, including first and second lithium-based battery cells 365, are simultaneously charged within the first remote zone 250 at a total charge rate 369 in the order of 50-500 kilowatts, wherein one or more mobile vehicles 230 consist of a single vehicle 230, and wherein the single vehicle is a truck having a trailer 439.

28. The method of any of the above method clauses, wherein routing DC power 368 from one or more AC/DC converters 358 to one or more chargers 366 includes:

charging the third and fourth lithium-based battery cells 365 simultaneously;

loading a plurality of additional propagule capsules on a first aerial vehicle/drone after the first aerial vehicle/drone departs and returns and replacing the first lithium-based battery cell with a third lithium-based battery cell; and

after the second aerial vehicle/drone departs and returns, a plurality of other propagule capsules are loaded on the second aerial vehicle/drone, and the second lithium-based battery cell is replaced with a fourth lithium-based battery cell.

29. The method of any of the above method clauses, comprising:

powering the first aerial vehicle/drone with a third lithium-based battery unit while remotely deploying the plurality of additional propagule capsules; and

powering the first aerial vehicle/drone with a fourth lithium-based battery cell while remotely deploying the plurality of other propagule capsules.

30. The method of any of the above method clauses, wherein routing DC power 368 from one or more AC/DC converters 358 to one or more chargers 366 includes:

while charging (at least) the first and second lithium-based battery cells 365.

31. The method of any of the above method clauses, wherein routing DC power 368 from one or more AC/DC converters 358 to one or more chargers 366 includes:

the first lithium-based battery cell 365 is charged such that the first lithium-based battery cell 365 thereafter contains energy within the order of 100 and 1000 watt-hours (Wh).

32. The method of any of the above method clauses, wherein routing DC power 368 from one or more AC/DC converters 358 to one or more chargers 366 includes:

the first lithium-based battery cell 365A is charged such that the first lithium-based battery cell 365A thereafter contains energy greater than 400 watt-hours (Wh).

33. The method of any of the above method clauses, comprising:

the first aerial vehicle/drone 431 and the second aerial vehicle/drone 1231 are simultaneously powered by the first and second lithium-based battery cells 365 at the first remote zone 250 greater than 100 meters from any conventional utility grid pipe 3248 to deploy the plurality of propagules to the first remote zone 250.

34. The method of any of the above method clauses, comprising:

a single truck is configured to tow a first power supply 352, a first current limit disconnect switch 353, a first cam lock interface 354, a first power converter 358, one or more DC buses 359, and one or more chargers 366.

35. The method of any of the above method clauses, wherein powering the first and second aerial vehicles/drones comprises:

powering a first aircraft/drone and a second aircraft/drone by a first lithium-based battery cell and a second lithium-based battery cell, respectively, while the first aircraft/drone and the second aircraft/drone each simultaneously carry tens or more payloads therein.

36. The method of any of the above method clauses, wherein powering the first and second aerial vehicles/drones comprises:

power is supplied to a first aerial vehicle/drone and a second aerial vehicle/drone through a first lithium-based battery cell and a second lithium-based battery cell, respectively, while the first aerial vehicle/drone and the second aerial vehicle/drone deploy a plurality of propagule capsules therein.

37. The method of any of the above method clauses, comprising:

the motor vehicle 230 is configured to be carried by one or more wheels.

38. The method of any of the above method clauses, comprising:

the motor vehicle 230 is configured to be carried by a propeller or other wing.

39. The method of any of the above method clauses, comprising:

the motor vehicle 230 is configured as a passenger car.

40. The method of any of the above method clauses wherein the first cam lock interface is configured to couple the first power source to the first current limiting disconnect switch to receive AC power from the first power source.

41. The method of any of the above method clauses, comprising:

by aggregating the location-specific artificial biometrics depicted 1425, reproductive bud growth is promoted by selectively sending notifications (e.g., requesting accelerated decisions 1275) as an automated and conditional response to determining which location-specific artificial biometrics are within a selected range 1577.

42. The method of any of the above method clauses, comprising:

reproductive bud growth is facilitated by holding the plurality of reproductive bud capsules 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 for support by the first aerial vehicle/drone 431, 1231 and by deploying at least some of the plurality of reproductive bud capsules 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 to the vicinity of the first planting point 255 within the first remote zone 250.

43. The method according to any of the above method clauses wherein the one or more mobile vehicles 230 consist of a single mobile vehicle 230 comprising a trailer 439.

44. The method of any of the above method clauses wherein powering the first aircraft/drone 431 and the second aircraft/drone 1231 at the first remote zone 250 greater than 100 meters from any conventional utility grid pipe 3248 includes:

reproductive bud growth is facilitated (according to forestry or other agricultural techniques known or described herein) by deploying the reproductive bud capsules 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 within the first remote zone 250 via the first and second aerial vehicles 431, 1231.

45. The method according to any one of the above method clauses, wherein the first reproductive bud capsule 210 thereof is configured such that more than half of (the surface of) the at least one reproductive bud 207, 3107 is exposed to the air or another gas 173 in the first reproductive bud capsule 210.

46. The method according to any one of the preceding method clauses wherein the first propagating bud capsule thereof is configured with a first layer 2931, 3231, the first layer 2931, 3231 having a diameter 242, 2942 greater than twice its thickness 241, 3041.

47. The method of any of the above method clauses, comprising:

after its first aerial vehicle/drone 431, 1231 departs and returns, a plurality of additional propagule capsules 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 are loaded on the first aerial vehicle/drone 431, 1231 and its first lithium-based battery cell 365 is replaced with a locally charged third lithium-based battery cell 365;

after the second aerial vehicle/drone 431, 1231 departs and returns, a plurality of other reproductive bud capsules 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 are loaded on the second aerial vehicle/drone 431, 1231 and its second lithium-based battery cell 365 is replaced with a locally charged fourth lithium-based battery cell 365; and powering the first aerial vehicle/drone 431, 1231 with (at least) one of the lithium-based battery cells 365 while remotely deploying the plurality of additional propagule capsules 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 (i.e., from any accessible power grid).

48. The method of any of the above method clauses wherein routing DC power 368 comprises:

its first and second lithium-based battery cells 365, 365 are charged such that each lithium-based battery cell contains more than 400 watt-hours (Wh) of energy before the first and second aircraft/drones 431, 1231 are powered therefrom.

49. The method according to any of the above method clauses, wherein configuring the vehicle 230 comprises:

the one or more motor vehicles 230 are configured to include one or more power supplies (generators or other) 352 configured to provide Alternating Current (AC) power (directly or otherwise) through a first current limiting disconnect switch 353 and to one or more alternating current-to-direct current (AC/DC) converters 358A-C, wherein a single truck 430 is configured to tow the first power supply 352, the first current limiting disconnect switch 353, the first cam lock interface 354, one or more Direct Current (DC) buses 359, and one or more chargers 366A-E.

50. The method according to any of the above method clauses, wherein configuring the vehicle 230 comprises:

configuring its one or more motor vehicles 230 as a single truck 430, the single truck 430 including one or more power supplies 352 configured to provide Alternating Current (AC) power through a first current limiting disconnect switch 353 and a first cam lock interface 354 and to one or more alternating current-to-direct current (AC/DC) converters 358A-C, wherein the single truck 430 is configured to tow the first power supply 352, the first current limiting disconnect switch 353, the first cam lock interface 354, one or more Direct Current (DC) buses 359, and one or more chargers 366A-E.

51. The method according to any of the above method clauses, wherein configuring the vehicle 230 comprises:

configuring its one or more motor vehicles 230 as a single truck 430, the single truck 430 coupled to a trailer 439, the trailer 439 comprising (collectively) one or more power supplies 352, the power supplies 352 configured to provide Alternating Current (AC) power to one or more alternating current-to-direct current (AC/DC) converters 358A-C through a first current limiting disconnect switch 353 and a first cam lock interface 354, wherein the single truck 430 is configured to tow the first power supply 352, the first current limiting disconnect switch 353, the first cam lock interface 354, one or more Direct Current (DC) buses 359, and one or more chargers 366A-E.

52. The method according to any of the above method clauses, wherein configuring the vehicle 230 comprises:

configuring its one or more motor vehicles 230 as a single truck 430, the single truck 430 coupled to a trailer 4, the trailer 4 including one or more power supplies 352, the power supplies 352 configured to provide Alternating Current (AC) power through a first current limiting disconnect switch 353 and a first cam lock interface 354 and to one or more alternating current-to-direct current (AC/DC) converters 358A-C, wherein the single truck 430 is configured to tow the first power supply 352, the first current limiting disconnect switch 353, the first cam lock interface 354, one or more Direct Current (DC) buses 359, and one or more chargers 366A-E; wherein DC power 368 is routed from (at least one of) the one or more AC/DC converters 358 through the one or more Direct Current (DC) buses 359 to the one or more chargers 366A-E to simultaneously charge the first, second, third, and fourth lithium-based battery cells 365A-D therethrough.

53. The method according to any of the above method clauses, wherein configuring the vehicle 230 comprises:

configuring its one or more motor vehicles 230 as a single truck 430, the single truck 430 coupled to a trailer 439, the trailer 439 comprising one or more power supplies 352, the power supplies 352 configured to provide Alternating Current (AC) power through a first current limiting disconnect switch 353 and a first cam lock interface 354 and to one or more alternating current-to-direct current (AC/DC) converters 358A-C, wherein the single truck 430 is configured to tow the first power supply 352, the first current limiting disconnect switch 353, the first cam lock interface 354, one or more Direct Current (DC) buses 359, and one or more chargers 366A-E; wherein DC power 368 is routed from (at least one of) the one or more AC/DC converters 358 through the one or more Direct Current (DC) buses 359 to the one or more chargers 366A-E to simultaneously charge the first, second, third, and fourth lithium-based battery cells 365A-D therethrough, and such that each of the first, second, third, and fourth lithium-based battery cells 365A-D thereafter contains energy greater than 400 watt-hours (Wh).

54. The method according to any of the above method clauses, wherein configuring the vehicle 230 comprises:

the motor vehicle 230 is configured as a single truck 430 to tow a first power supply 352, a first current limiting disconnect switch 353, a first cam lock interface 354, a first power converter 358, one or more Direct Current (DC) buses 359, and one or more chargers 366A-E.

55. The method of any of the above method clauses, wherein powering the first aircraft/drone and the second aircraft/drone includes:

when the first and second aerial vehicles 431, 1231 deploy dozens or more propagating bud capsules 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 therein, the first and second aerial vehicles 431, 1231 are powered (at least in part) by the first and second lithium-based battery cells 365, respectively.

56. The method according to any of the above method clauses, wherein configuring the vehicle 230 comprises:

the motor vehicle 230 is configured to be carried by one or more wheels 437.

57. The method according to any of the above method clauses, wherein configuring the vehicle 230 comprises:

the motor vehicle 230 is configured to be carried by a propeller or other wing 434.

58. The method according to any of the above method clauses, wherein configuring the vehicle 230 comprises:

the motor vehicle 230 is configured as a passenger car (i.e., carrying at least one person).

59. The method according to any of the above method clauses, wherein the first cam lock interface 354 is configured to couple the first power source 352 directly (i.e., not through an active circuit but only through a passive circuit) to the first current limit disconnect switch 353, thereby receiving Alternating Current (AC) power 367 from the first power source 352.

60. The method of any of the above method clauses, comprising:

incorporating one or more fibrous or other particulate media as a component (i.e., as some or all) of the one or more growth media 126, 3126 such that the one or more particulate media is sufficiently coarse or porous (or both) such that the capsule body component (shell 240 or layers 2931, 3231) contains greater than 3% interstitial gas by volume.

61. The method of any of the above method clauses, comprising:

the incorporation of one or more particulate media as a component of the one or more growth media 126, 3126 renders the one or more particulate media sufficiently coarse that the capsule body components contain greater than 0.5% interstitial gas 173 (between its pieces) by volume.

62. The method of any of the above method clauses, comprising:

the incorporation of one or more particulate media as a component of the one or more growth media 126, 3126 renders the one or more particulate media sufficiently porous that the capsule body component comprises greater than 0.5% interstitial gas 173 (in its pores) by volume.

63. The method according to any of the above method clauses, wherein deploying the first propagule capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 comprises:

the first propagating bud capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 is released in a tumbling trajectory 3197.

64. The method of any of the above method clauses, wherein deploying the first propagating bud capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 comprises:

the first propagating bud capsules 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 are released with a tumbling trajectory 3197, wherein the tumbling trajectory 3197 is arbitrarily generated, in lieu of any effective mechanism for ensuring that the first sides 3091, 3161 will fall below the second sides 3092, 3162.

65. The method of any of the above method clauses wherein configuring one or more media 126, 3126 in the first layer 2931, 3231 comprises:

a bore 2968 extending through a majority of the thickness 241, 3041 of the first layer 2931, 3231 is formed as one or more recessed portions 208 on the first side 3161.

66. The method according to any of the preceding method clauses, wherein the first layer 2931, 3231 protects the first reproductive buds from rodent predation for a sufficient period of time to allow roots to grow from the first reproductive buds into the planting site 255.

67. The method according to any one of the preceding method clauses wherein a majority of the weight of the at least one artificial water transport conduit of the first propagating bud capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 is dehydrated compressed peat 162 or another growth medium 126 configured to undergo a volume expansion upon hydration of greater than 20%.

68. The method according to any one of the preceding method clauses, wherein the exterior surface of the first propagating bud capsule 210, 3110 includes a soil-contacting portion of the first water collector of greater than 1 square centimeter and is configured to absorb by wicking greater than 5 microliters of liquid per hour directly from surrounding soil 2599.

69. The method according to any one of the above method clauses, wherein the terminal-most portion of the first reproductive bud capsule 210, 3110 that is longer than 0.5mm has a footprint 212 of about 2 square millimeters, wherein the first reproductive bud capsule 210, 3110 has less than 5% water by weight.

70. The method according to any one of the preceding method clauses, wherein the one or more propagating sprouts comprise dormant seeds 107 of the tree.

71. The method according to any one of the preceding method clauses, wherein the first propagating bud capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 lands on and above the first microsample with its first side 3161.

72. The method according to any one of the preceding method clauses wherein the first propagule capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 has a major component of dry compressed peat 162 (i.e. a majority or other portion 208 of the volume is greater than 10% by volume).

73. The method according to any of the above method clauses, wherein the first propagating bud capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 has a major component of the coconut shell fiber 161 (i.e., the majority or other portion 208 of the volume is greater than 10 vol%).

74. The method of any of the preceding method clauses wherein the first sprout capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 has a majority (i.e., a majority or other portion 208 by volume greater than 10%) of the major components (i.e., by volume) of the one or more hydrated activated expanded growth media 126 (e.g., the dried compressed coir 161, peat 162, or mixtures thereof).

75. The method according to any of the above method clauses, wherein the dry and highly compressed medium 126, 3126 is subsequently poured (e.g., by capillary action) with groundwater, dew, or rain water, and thereby triggering a volume expansion of the medium 126, 3126.

76. The method according to any one of the above method clauses, wherein the volumetric expansion of at least some of the first reproductive bud capsules 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 allows the first reproductive buds 207, 3107 therein to grow upwardly through the medium 126, 3126.

277. The method according to any of the above method clauses, wherein the local hydration allows at least one root 2787 from the one or more propagating buds 207, 3107 to grow in a generally downward direction (within 45 degrees) into the planting point 255.

78. The method according to any of the above method clauses, wherein the biodegradable sealing covering 2936 comprises a water-soluble polymer, waxed paper, or similar lubricious material that is adhesively affixed to the major planar surface of the first side 3091, 3161.

79. The method according to any one of the above method clauses, wherein at least a first one of the one or more propagules 207, 3107 is surrounded by one or more filler materials 3170, the filler material 3170 (with components) being sufficiently granular that more than half of the (surface area of the) first propagule 207 is exposed to the ambient gas 173, 3173 (e.g., air or nitrogen) and thereby facilitates access to water and proper drainage.

80. The method of any of the above method clauses, comprising:

producing a first sprout capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 by forming a fibrous or granular mixture 113 of one or more fibrous or granular base materials (e.g., coir 161 or peat 162) with one or more supplements 142 and a first binder material 145 such that, prior to curing, the first binder material 145 comprises at least 1% by weight of the fibrous or granular mixture 113;

surrounding the first reproductive bud 207, 3107 with a fibrous or granular mixture 113; and

at least the first binder material 145 of the fibrous or granular mixture 113 surrounding the first reproductive buds 207, 3107 is cured.

81. The method according to any of the above method clauses, wherein the local hydration subsequently (e.g., hours or days after deployment of the first propagule capsule) allows the growth medium 126, 3126 to expand more than 10% in volume and thereby allow at least one root to exit the propagule capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210.

82. The method according to any of the above method clauses, wherein the local hydration subsequently (e.g., hours or days after deployment of the first propagule capsule) allows the growth medium 126, 3126 to expand in volume by more than 20%, and thereby allows at least one root to exit the propagule capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210.

83. The method of any of the above method clauses, wherein deploying the first reproductive bud capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 comprises launching the first reproductive bud capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 from a first aerial vehicle/drone 431, 1231.

84. The method according to any of the above method clauses, wherein the first aerial vehicle/drone 431, 1231 is configured to cause the first propagule capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 to follow a tumbling trajectory 3197 during deployment.

85. The method according to any of the above method clauses, wherein the first aerial vehicle/drone 431, 1231 is configured to bounce the first propagule capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 onto the inclined guide 3195 into the roll trajectory 3197 during deployment.

86. The method according to any one of the preceding method clauses wherein the plantation site 255 is a microdroplet 1755.

87. The method according to any of the above method clauses, wherein loading a plurality of propagule capsules 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 comprises:

a plurality of propagating bud capsules 210, 2010, 3110, 3210, including a first propagating bud capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210, are loaded into a capsule stack 3189 within a compartment shorter than 1 meter of the planting module 450 of the aerial vehicle/drone 431, 1231.

88. The method according to any of the above method clauses, wherein loading a plurality of propagule capsules 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 comprises:

a plurality of propagule capsules 210, 2010, 3110, 3210, including a first propagule capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210, are loaded into a sleeve 3188 on an aerial vehicle/drone 431, 1231 or a stack 3189 of capsules in a chamber shorter than 1 meter of a cartridge 488.

89. The method according to any of the above method clauses, wherein loading a plurality of propagule capsules 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 comprises:

a plurality of propagule capsules 210, 2010, 3110, 3210, including a first propagule capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210, are loaded into a capsule stack 3189 within an aerial vehicle/drone 431, 1231.

90. The method according to any one of the above method clauses, wherein a majority volume (e.g., as portion 208) of the first reproductive bud capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 comprises growth medium 126, 3126 with a volume compression of greater than 1% when the first reproductive bud capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 is deployed, and wherein the first reproductive bud capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 subsequently swells in response to hydration 2094.

91. The method according to any one of the preceding method clauses, wherein the first propagule capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 is dry, i.e. less than 5% of the weight of the first propagule capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 (unsealed, not frozen and others) is available for liquid hydration upon capsule deployment.

92. The method of any of the above method clauses wherein the method includes all of the operations depicted in fig. 7.

93. The method according to any one of the above method clauses, including configuring the barrel 488 to allow the first propagating bud capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 to exit the barrel 488 while the dozens (i.e. at least 24) of the other propagating bud capsules 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 are all nominally aligned in parallel.

94. The method of any of the above method clauses, comprising:

configuring the aircraft/drone propulsion subassembly to have one or more robotic limbs (e.g., legs or wings 434) to allow the first unmanned vehicle 230 to move (e.g., walk or fly); and

positioning the steerable chute 2178 and one or more actuators (e.g., solenoid or other motor control in a gimbal) configured to adjust the angle of the steerable chute 2178 relative to the aircraft/drone propulsion subassembly by more than one degree in less than 100 milliseconds.

95. The method according to any one of the preceding method clauses, wherein the one or more propagating sprouts 207 comprise dormant seeds 107 of conifers (e.g., pine trees).

While various systems, methods, articles of manufacture, or other embodiments or aspects have been disclosed above, other combinations of embodiments or aspects will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the above disclosure. The various embodiments and aspects disclosed above are for purposes of illustration and not limitation, with the true scope and spirit being indicated in the following final claims.