Air-pruning tray/container matrix transfer and transplanting system and methods

A plant transfer and transplanting system comprising:

• a first table for holding a plant supply tray that includes a plurality of plants, wherein the first table includes a plurality of matrix opening(s) through which one or more plants from the plant supply tray can be removed from the plant supply tray;
• an indexing frame movably mounted on the first table for positioning the plant supply tray such that the one or more plants from the plant supply tray are aligned with the plurality of matrix openings;
• a second table that holds a plant receiving area;
• a supporting frame that holds and aligns the first and second tables relative to one another;
• a plant removal mechanism for removing the one or more plants from the plant supply tray;
• and
• a dibbler plate for dibbling the plant receiving area,
• wherein the supporting frame positions the first table above the second table such that the supply tray is located above the plant receiving area and the one or more plants removed from the supply tray can be transferred directly to the plant receiving area on the second table via the plurality of matrix openings in the first table.