Traditional farming practices have been facing a variety of challenges over recent years, trying to meet increased food demand while struggling with limited land, extreme weather conditions, water shortages, and pest outbreaks. The increased pressure means new methods of farming have had to be developed to create a reliable source of food.
Vertical farming is a process that uses urban spaces to grow crops in vertical layers, an especially groundbreaking process in built-up areas where land is limited. By utilizing modern technologies to create a controlled environment, a continuous supply of crops can be grown without worrying about threats like weather and soil quality. To make vertical farming possible, certain key aspects must be implemented:
Artificial lighting
To replicate natural sunlight in areas where it may be restricted or completely blocked, LED lighting is used as a light source to produce the correct level of light required for the yield. The lighting can be continuously adjusted to provide the specific level of brightness needed, optimizing growth throughout different stages of development.
Controlled climate
For vertical farms to be able to produce crops all year round and maintain a continuous food supply, intelligent climate control systems are required. By setting the perfect temperature, humidity, and light levels, optimal growing conditions can be set for each crop to maximize growth.
Space optimization
The high-density farming technique is in place to make the most of limited space, saving money in the long run by working in smaller areas and cutting out the need to transport produce from farmland to urban areas. When setting up vertical farms, the layers should be carefully stacked to maximize space while leaving enough room for the crop type to be able to grow unrestricted.
Water source
Vertical farming drastically reduces water consumption in comparison to traditional agriculture techniques since the water has to be carefully collected and recirculated. By using closed-loop systems, sustainability is improved since water waste is reduced, contributing to the ongoing efforts to sustain resources.
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