Due to industrial development and urbanization, we are losing arable land every day. In 2015, scientists reported that the planet had lost a third of its arable land over the past 40 years.Many believe that vertical farming can solve this challenge. Will vertical farming be the future of farming? Let's find it out!
- What is vertical farming?
Vertical farming is the practice of producing food on a vertically inclined surface. Instead of growing vegetables and other foods on a single level, such as a field or greenhouse, this method produces food in vertical grow racks.
This modern idea incorporates indoor farming techniques by using Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) techniques. The artificial control of temperature, light, humidity and gases has made it possible to produce food and medicine indoors. In many ways, vertical farming is similar to a greenhouse, where natural light is enhanced by metal reflectors and artificial lighting. The main goal of vertical farming is to maximize the yield of crops in a limited space.
- How does vertical farming work?
When it comes to understanding how vertical farming works, there are four key areas: physical layout, lighting, growing plants and sustainability features.
Firstly, the main goal of vertical farming is to produce more food per square meter. To achieve this, crops are cultivated in muti-layer grow racks. Secondly, a perfect mix of natural and artificial light is used to maintain the perfect lighting level in the room. Techniques such as rotating beds are used to increase lighting efficiency. Thirdly, instead of soil, vertical farming uses aeroponic, hydroponic or hydroponic growth medium. Sphagnum moss or coconut hulls and similar non-soil media are common in vertical agriculture. Finally, vertical farming utilizes various sustainability features to offset the energy costs of farming. In fact, vertical farming can help to reduce water use by 95%.
The advantage of vertical farming
1. It provides a plan for meeting future food needs
2. It allows crops to grow all the year-round
3. It uses much less water
4. Crops can be avoid from the impact of extreme weather
5. More organic crops can be grown
6. Reduce exposure to chemicals and diseases
HortiBest has launched vertical grow racks, welcome to inquire!