What You May Not Realize about Vertical Farming

Abstract

Vertical farming (VF) is a newer crop production practice that is attracting attention from all around the world. VF is defined as growing indoor crops on multiple layers, either on the same floor or on multiple stories. Most VF operations are located in urban environments, substantially reducing the distance between producer and consumer. Some people claim that VF is the beginning of a new era in controlled environment agriculture, with the potential to substantially increase resource-use efficiencies. However, since most vertical farms exclusively use electric lighting to grow crops, the energy input for VF is typically very high. Additional challenges include finding and converting growing space, constructing growing systems, maintaining equipment, selecting suitable plant species, maintaining a disease- and pest-free environment, attracting and training workers, optimizing the control of environmental parameters, managing data-driven decision making, and marketing. The objective of the paper is to highlight several of the challenges and issues associated with planning and operating a successful vertical farm. Industry-specific information and knowledge will help investors and growers make informed decisions about financing and operating a vertical farm.

Development of an Embedded Software and Control Kit to Be Used in Soilless Agriculture Production Systems

“…However, the high production costs of hydroponics make it unfeasible to economically grow staple crops (maize, soybeans, wheat, rice, potatoes, etc.). Therefore, hydroponics is more suited to producing green crops and some fruit-bearing crops (e.g., strawberries, tomatoes, and peppers) [ 24 , 25 ].…”

Plant Beneficial Bacteria and Their Potential Applications in Vertical Farming Systems

“…Importantly, there are a number of crops that are not suitable or economically feasible for vertical farming systems. Examples include staple crops such as corn, soybean, wheat, rice, and potato [ 174 ]. These crops, while extremely important for diets globally, are energy-intensive and have a low ratio of salable to non-salable plant parts, making them an economically unattractive choice for vertical farms [ 13 ].…”

“…These crops, while extremely important for diets globally, are energy-intensive and have a low ratio of salable to non-salable plant parts, making them an economically unattractive choice for vertical farms [ 13 ]. In vertical farms that use CEA, all the inputs to plant growth come at a cost, so the most profitable plants are leafy greens, herbs, and some fruits such as tomatoes, peppers, and strawberries [ 174 ]. As such, the commercial application of vertical farming technology is mostly limited to these crops.…”

Plant Growth Modeling and Response from Broadband Phosphor-Converted Lighting for Indoor Agriculture

“…Indoor agriculture utilizes light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and hydroponic systems as alternatives to conventional planting (i.e., irrigation systems, soil, and sunlight). Indoor agriculture can better control and produce healthier plants by protecting them from pests and reducing the use of pesticides. − Based on the sustainable development goals of the United Nations, indoor agriculture is not affected by weather, so it can stabilize plant productivity, thereby accelerating the realization of zero hunger. Such type of agriculture can also generate employment opportunities to achieve decent work and economic growth to make cities sustainable.…”