What is Vertical Farming?
Vertical farming is growing crops in stacks rather than spreading crops on the ground. Vertical Farming is conducted in structures like buildings, greenhouses, and other purpose-built facilities. Vertical farming is more similar to a highrise apartment than a traditional farm. Vertical farming is a bit more environmentally sustainable than a traditional farm and more space is used in a growing area and therefore more food is grown.
How Does Vertical Farming Work?
The entire premise of how vertical farming works is the use of technology to create a space with the conditions for optimal plant growth. Vertical farms incorporate systems that provide a controlled atmosphere and all the necessary nutrients to the crops.
Growing Method
In vertical farms, crops are cultivated in layers within buildings, which allows for greater food production in smaller areas. Instead of using soil, crops are grown using hydroponics, aeroponics, or aquaponics. Most vertical farms are using the hydroponics method, where plants grow in water, with nutrients, instead of soil.
As per GMI Research, the Vertical Farming Market is forecast to reach USD 29.5 billion in 2031
LED Light Usage
Since vertical farming also takes place indoors, they don’t rely on sunlight. Instead, they utilize LED lights. These lights can be customized according to the needs of the crops to make their growth more optimal and faster.
Farm Climate Control
The farm’s climate control is also very important. The temperature, humidity, airflow, and CO₂ levels are so par in so that the crops can thrive all year round, regardless of the weather outside.
Efficient Water Use
Unlike traditional farms, these systems utilize water more efficiently. Because of the controlled environment, there are no pests or diseases, and therefore, no chemical pesticides are needed. A clean and efficient way of food production is made possible through vertical farming. In vertical farms, cutting-edge technologies in agriculture make it possible to use very little water effectively.
Other Benefits of Vertical Farming
Vertical farming offers several benefits compared to conventional farming practices, as it is more efficient and innovative. Here is what makes it so beneficial:
- Reduces the Amount of Space Required: Space is saved as plants are stacked in vertical layers, instead of spreading across the ground in large monoculture. This is beneficial to urban areas with limited land.
- Reduces the Amount of Water Required: In contrast to traditional farming, the hydroponic system uses 90% less water. Water is also saved through recycling the system. This method of food production is environmentally sustainable.
- No Use of Pesticides: Vertical farms are indoors, so they are pest and pathogen free. This increases food safety, as it avoids the use of chemical pesticides or herbicides, and makes the food more nutritious.
This statement establishes that vertical farming can offer fresher produce while also positively impacting the environment by reducing costs in transportation and subsequently, pollution. With most vertical farms being in urban centers, the need for long-distance transportation of produce is diminished.
Unlike traditional farms, vertical farms are indoor environments and are therefore not affected by extreme Weather like droughts, floods, and heat waves. While extreme Weather can destroy . traditional farms. vertical farms can operate unaffected by climate change.