Vertical Farming

Abstract

Vertical farming (VF) is a broad term that encompasses a suite of technologies for increasing productivity per unit area of crop available land. It does this by extending plant cultivation into the vertical dimension and in locations where crop production may have been difficult or impossible previously. Over recent years, the interest in VF approaches has increased considerably in both the scientific and commercial community. The term has been used interchangeably to describe both large‐scale concepts such as food‐producing skyscrapers and smaller scale Vertical Farming Systems (VFS). Many of these systems utilise and integrate knowledge on plant abiotic responses such as those to light, nutrients, temperature and CO 2 . Elucidating the fundamental and applied plant science challenges linked to growing crops within VFS will be key for the success of the VF sector. Key Concepts Vertical farming encompasses numerous system typologies, differentiated by technology level, degree of enclosure and control over environmental variables. A variety of soilless methods, such as hydroponic, semihydroponic and aeroponic systems, are used in vertical farming. Light spectra have a profound influence over crop growth and morphology and can therefore be used as a tool to steer crop response for nutrition, specific compound production, morphology or biomass accumulation. Other environmental conditions, such as CO 2 concentration, air temperature, air velocity and nutrition, influence crop growth and morphology in vertical farming systems. Crops suitable for vertical farming systems vary by system type and are dictated by cost of production relative to retail price and market demand.

Circular Approaches in Small-Scale Food Production

“…The term vertical farming covers a wide range of technologies to increase crop yields per unit of available land. This is performed by expanding crop cultivation vertically and in areas traditionally considered challenging or inaccessible for crop production [65]. Vertical farming systems come in a variety of forms, all the way from small-scale concepts to large-scale commercial approaches including simple, stand-alone two-storey or wallmounted systems up to multi-storey high warehouses.…”