People have been talking about vertical farming these days, which leads to the question, “What is vertical farming, anyway?” Vertical farming and hydroponics have been dubbed as the future of the world’s agricultural solution. What can you learn about this situation and the method?
Understanding More about Vertical Farming
So, what is vertical farming? In technical terms, it refers to growing crops within stacked layers in a vertical manner. In a simpler term, it’s about growing crops on vertical surfaces, which is completely different from traditional agriculture where crops are planted and grown within a horizontal piece of land.
In traditional agriculture, you need a lot of land to grow crops. But in vertical farming, you can produce more food in smaller lands – or even less. This is why vertical farming is viewed to be able to solve the future agriculture’s problem when it comes to making sure that there is enough food production to feed the whole world.
These stacked layers are often incorporated or included to buildings, like greenhouses, shipping containers, warehouses, or even skyscrapers. If you are creative enough, you should be able to find the best spot to incorporate this kind of structure. Oftentimes, the spots are often viewed as not suitable for traditional farming.
What Vertical Farming Solves
The world is growing, especially the population. Lands for agriculture are getting limited from time to time because it has to compete against other productions, such as property and real estate, and others. With such a concern, it’s only logical that new methods and solutions are created and invented to solve the issue.
Let’s not forget that traditional agriculture has been hurting Mother Earth badly. It is responsible for soil degradation, deforestation, and also climate change. This is one of the reasons why better and newer ways to produce foods, especially for future generations, is needed.
How It Works
Now that you already know about what vertical farming is, it’s time to learn more about how vertical farming works. You see, you need to place the plants vertically, NOT horizontally. Moreover, it’s usually done indoors, within the so-called CEA or Controlled Environment Agriculture. This system provides the optimal and also ideal atmosphere to grow the plants.
This kind of farming doesn’t need any soil at all. Basically, the water would be supplied to the roots directly, but it depends on the farming method, really. Rock wool, hemp fibers, coconut fibers, and expanded clay replace the substrate.
The Perks
This kind of farming method does have its own perk. So, what are the advantages of vertical farming, anyway? For a starter, you can grow food without a lot of space or soil. You can also expect minimal negative environmental effects because it reduces carbon footprint quite significantly.
Moreover, there are more perks to expect:
- Use less space and water. Basically, this system can cut off land usage up to 99% and water up to 98% without compromising the results. In fact, this system can generate yields up to 240 times of the
traditional system, thanks to perpetual harvest and year round rolling. - Increased production. With this system, you can expect increased production consistently and continuously. There won’t be any seasonal-limited production. You can produce all types of crops
year-round. - CEA benefits. This system includes a set of techs that provides ideal and suitable conditions for the plants. It includes ideal humidity, lighting, and also temperature regardless of the weather and climate.
Moreover, CEA reduces conflicts between native species and farmers, as well as protecting farmers from diseases and hazards.
Food safety and healthier outcomes are also other benefits to enjoy from this method. It’s pretty common to hear about food recalls because they have been tainted with pathogens, viruses, or even E.Coli. but with vertical farming, you won’t have to worry about such a thing. The food is grown in a controlled and monitored environment, resulting in harvest that is grown in near-lab conditions. Farming diseases can be prevented, so foods won’t be contaminated.
Moreover, this kind of method doesn’t need pesticides. Pesky pests or uncontrolled elements can be prevented and eliminated. The crops are only grown in such an ideal condition so the result would be absolutely amazing.
Bottom Line
It’s a good thing that vertical farming has been done in many different areas. It’s no longer viewed as the future of agriculture. It’s a current trend where it should be implemented right NOW. You have got the answer to that particular question: what is vertical farming, so what would be your next move?