Every day, we lose arable land to industrialization and urbanization. Increasing food consumption and shrinking arable lands could become a future cause of concern. Chiefly, our survival is dependent on it. In addition, although there are no quick-fix solutions, many believe vertical farming could be a viable option in the foreseeable future.
What is Vertical Farming?
Vertical farming involves growing food in vertical layers typically integrated into other structures like a converted warehouse. This current concept incorporates climate control and allows for indoor food and medicinal production. It is similar to greenhouse farming. However, metal reflectors and artificial lighting are used to augment natural light. Vertical farming maximizes crop productivity in a compact space.
How it Works
Understanding vertical farming involves four key components: Layout, Lighting, Growing Medium, and Sustainability.
1. Specifically, vertical farming aims to produce more food per square meter. To do this, crops are grown in layers in a tower-like structure.
2. Thus, a proper balance of natural and artificial light is used to keep the room well lit. Lighting efficiency is improved by rotating beds.
3. Growth media other than soil are used. Vertical gardening often uses non-soil materials like peat moss or coconut husks.
4. Overall, vertical farming incorporates sustainability characteristics to offset energy costs.
And the Result
Vertical farming saves 95% of water but is still a novel concept. Companies have yet to scale up agricultural production. The success of vertical farming will decide its future role in meeting rising food demand. Notably, technology created for vertical farms is also being adopted by other indoor farming segments, such as greenhouses. Basically, it can utilize natural sunlight but requires much more space and longer supply chains.
Source: daily-stuff.com
Photos by shutterstock©
Discover more from TUTORING YOU
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
