Know about vertical farming production

Currently, the global human population exceeds more than 7.85 billion, but this number is expected to increase to 9.8 billion by 2050— with more than 75% of people expected to be living in urban areas.

Accompanied with this population growth will also be an increase in demand on already stressed food, water, and energy resources needed to sustain this growth. Thus, new agricultural systems that offer sustainable food production will be essential to meet these demands.

One such system, that many believe can meet these demands, is vertical farming. But, what exactly is vertical farming and why do many people believe that? Let’s find out!

What is Vertical Farming?

Simply put, vertical farming is the practice of growing plants in vertically stacked layers. This method of horticulture seeks to maximize plant space utilization and production by scaling up off the ground, allowing more plants to be grown in the same area. Additionally, it can be applied to current horticultural practices, ranging from small-scale hydroponics to large-scale controlled environmental agriculture operations, and has the potential to produce year-round production at practically any location if coupled with the right techniques!

So, how does it work, what plants are grown, and more importantly, is it sustainable?

Basic Components of a Vertical Farm

Vertical farm types can be broken down into three main components: the (1) system structure, (2) electrical structure, and (3) plumbing structure (see figure below). These three aspects are vital to consider as they will dictate where a system can be located, what crops can be grown in them, and the resources that will be required to build one. They should be considered before starting a vertical farming operation.

Types of Vertical Farms

When it comes to vertical farming, there are three main system types: (1) hydroponics, (2) aquaponic, and (3) growing-media based systems.

Hydroponics Vertical Farming

In hydroponics vertical farming, an aqueous solution comprised of all essential nutrients needed for optimal plant growth is supplied to plants. Examples of this type of vertical farming includes modified hydroponics systems, such as nutrient film technique (Ex. A-Frame and vertical grow towers), deep water culture (DWC), and aeroponics.

Aquaponic Vertical Farming

Conversely, in aquaponic vertical farming, fish production is integrated with plant production utilizing hydroponic system designs. However, instead of fertilizing plants with an aqueous solution comprised of all essential nutrients, plants are alternatively fertilized with nutrientrich fish water that has been filtered, converted to nitrates, and supplemented for limiting nutrients deficient in aquaponic systems.

Growing Media Selection for Vertical Farming

The best media to select for a vertical farming system is one that promotes good air porosity, drainage, and nutrient retention. This is necessary to assure that plants do not stay drenched for prolonged periods of time, while also providing a good structure for newly developing root systems to grow in.

Several exceptional growing media products are available, designed to establish the proper foundation essential for vertical growing. A producer requires a well-balanced, general purpose growing medium that has a blend of medium textured Sphagnum peat moss, perlite, vermiculite and a starter nutrient charge suited for large cell cultivation.

For organic growers a medium textured growing medium is required. Furthermore, each of these products are available with active ingredients,

Advantages and Disadvantages of Vertical Farming

Finally, when it comes to growing vertical farming, this method offers a variety of benefits over other plant production practices. Such benefits associated with vertical farming include higher rates of production, improved crop quality, lower water usage, reduced fertilizer usage, reduced area required for production, and the potential for yearround production at just about any location.

These systems can be quite profitable and have the potential to be part of environmental solutions if properly designed and managed.

Nonetheless, it is important to note that there are drawbacks associated with vertical farming.

First, these systems can be seen as “high risk”. For example, they are very energy intensive and require that backup systems be in place in case of power outages. Second, they require a high level of technical “know how” to operate and can be costly to set up, monitor, and maintain. Lastly, these systems can be more susceptible to water-borne diseases or pests, which once in the system, can quickly spread from plant to plant due to the interconnectedness of these systems.

For these reasons caution and planning is advised. In cases where growing media is used, the addition of biological additive ingredients can be beneficial to reduce the onset of plant root diseases and reduce plant loss.

By: Nathan Wallace-Springer