The Step-by-Step Guide to Operating a Vertical Farm

It’s no secret that changes are needed and that the future of agriculture is troubling. In general, the population is expanding by 1% annually; in many nations, this rate is significantly higher. As time goes on, feeding this expanding population will undoubtedly become more difficult.

The world is severely harmed by both past and present agricultural practices, which exacerbates the issue. Deforestation, soil degradation, and climate change have all been linked to agriculture. We have lost a third of our arable land over the previous 40 years due to this situation, which is really serious.

Better methods of producing food for coming generations must be discovered. Fortunately, innovative farming techniques like vertical agriculture provide a great method to overcome these obstacles and provide the food required for future generations.

What is vertically farming?

The term “vertical farming” refers to the practice of cultivating on vertical surfaces as opposed to more conventional horizontal ones. Farmers may produce significantly more food on the same area of land—or even less—by employing vertically stacked layers.

These layers are frequently incorporated into structures like skyscrapers, kept in greenhouses like ours, or kept in places that wouldn’t be suitable for farming.

However, vertical farming entails much more than merely piling plants and crossing your fingers. Artificial lighting, water, humidity, and temperature control are necessary for the practice. In the event of a drought or flood, it is possible to lose an entire crop if a delicate balance is not maintained, just like on a typical farm.

How Is Vertical Farming Work?

Many of the problems facing agriculture, such as producing more food sustainably on less area, may be solved by vertical farming.

But specifically how do vertical farms operate?

now are many different types of vertical agriculture out now, ranging from greenhouses (like ours) that feed entire towns to patio gardens made out of repurposed pallets and stacked trays in warehouses.

With the use of our hydroponic vertical farming technology, farmers may raise crops in tower-like structures with stacked plant locations. With the help of these hydroponic towers, which are trademarked, farmers can grow their crops all year round by creating the ideal microclimate.

The Advantages of Vertical Farming

There are several advantages to vertical farming, and this approach offers the most yield with the least amount of environmental effect and the least amount of space needed. It will get harder and harder to sustain food production using conventional methods when resources are scarce.

Use Less Space & Water

Farmers may utilize 99 percent less land and 98 percent less water by using vertical agricultural techniques. Their year-round rolling or everlasting harvest allows them to achieve crop yields that are 240 times higher than those of typical farms. Everybody

These crops are not dependent on fossil fuels or other less desirable energy sources because the majority of our product is powered by the sun rather than LED lights.

Roughly 80% of people on the planet will reside in cities by 2050. Because of this population structure, there will be a greater need for food in the places where land is most scarce. Vertical farming provides a solution to address this rising need for food without using enormous fields in these large urban centers.

Enhanced Output Throughout the Entire Year

Additionally, continuous year-round production and enhanced overall yield are provided by vertical farming. The days of certain fruits and vegetables being seasonal are long gone. Alternatively, vertical farms can generate a variety of crops all year long with minimal need on climate or weather.

Environmental Impacts Are Eliminated by Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA)

Controlled Environment Agriculture, or CEA, is a technique that is frequently used in indoor vertical farming. A number of technologies are used in CEA, all aimed at giving plants the best possible environment. Farmers are able to cultivate plants that would not be ideal for the climate and weather otherwise thanks to its control over variables like temperature, lighting, and humidity.

A CEA arrangement has various advantages. Traditional farming’s occupational dangers can be considerably reduced by using CEA. There is no interaction between farmers and natural species when farming is done indoors since wildlife cannot reach the area. Farmers are not exposed to risks or illnesses such as malaria, toxic substances, and other potentially fatal situations. Additionally, towns near farms are safe since there is no dangerous chemical runoff.

The Food Desert Solution

Lastly, food deserts—highly populated areas without access to fresh foods like fruits and vegetables—can be resolved by vertical farms.

Vertical farming has begun to create food oasis where deserts previously were because of its ability to be built with a tiny footprint and even integrated into already-existing buildings and rooftops.

Where there were only unhealthy options before, this offers healthful cuisine. Low-income families can also benefit from the economical and nutritious food it produces, as it eliminates the need for a protracted shipping and warehousing procedure.

Reduced Arable Land 

We are rapidly approaching a crisis as a result of pollution and erosion eating away at arable land. We have to figure out how to grow nutritious food without requiring vast amounts of high-quality dirt. By cultivating upward as opposed to outward, vertical farming can aid in the development of this solution.

Vertical farms can be created almost anywhere, including heavily crowded urban areas, roofs, warehouses, and depleted places where traditionally farmed crops can no longer thrive, as many of them are housed behind greenhouses or other structures.

Pesticide-free 

Pesticides are rarely needed or even used in CEA vertical farms. These systems naturally keep pests away from crops by managing the surrounding environment, negating the need for chemical pesticides that may have unintended consequences.

Diminished Emissions

Because vertical farms may be built in cities, the distance that food travels between farms and supermarkets is decreased, hence reducing the produce’s carbon impact. Fresher vegetables and fewer food miles will also reach your neighborhood supermarket as a result. Food stays fresher for longer when it is cultivated close to the point of consumption, resulting in less food waste and providing local families with healthier, fresher meals.
dietary safety

Recalls of food products are frequent. We frequently hear about produce that has been contaminated by germs such as E. Coli.

By closely monitoring and managing the environment surrounding plants, producing conditions akin to a laboratory, and preventing farming diseases, vertical farming essentially solves this issue. Contaminant introduction is much less likely in such an environment.

Essential Elements of Vertical Farming

At the moment, indoor farming systems and shipping container farms are the most often used vertical farming technologies. Some components are shared by all of these methods, regardless of the cultivation location.

Production shelves with many layers

cultivating plants on specially constructed platforms, such as towers or growing shelves, in layers that are piled vertically. The building’s cubic space and the kind of plant being grown are taken into consideration while selecting the construction style. These can be NFT channels, vertical carts, or multi-story racks in Hydropolis technology.

Artificial illumination

regulates the plant’s rate of growth and flowering time. But this kind of lighting is not like the regular fluorescent lights we use in our homes. Its distinctiveness comes from the fact that the bulbs’ specifications are

chosen in accordance with the plant. The plant in vertical farming has all the conditions it needs to grow properly, including the spectrum and the quantity of light it receives at different times, which vary based on the variety of plant that is chosen. The light’s strength and wavelengths have an impact on the plant’s ability to grow.

Controlled environment

For the best plant growth, farming variables including temperature, humidity, gas concentration, nutrient conditions, hydration, and light intensity are regulated and safe. Ensuring optimal and consistent conditions across the cultivation area is a crucial element. We establish consistent growing conditions for plants on the vertical farm. Replicating the cultivation cycle involves following instructions designed for a particular plant species. This enables us to accurately schedule the length of agriculture, in addition to the volume and caliber of food generated. This ensures that every plant is given the best circumstances possible for strong, quick growth.

Stations for nurseries

Site of immature seedlings’ incubation and maturation. They are then moved to surfaces that are inclined vertically. There are two different locations for this production stage: cabinets dedicated to cultivation or rooms with unique separations for larger crops. The plant remains there for the ensuing days or weeks until it attains the proper height and weight to be moved to the main system.

Systems of irrigation

Use soilless irrigation systems to provide plants with water during their growth cycle on vertical farms. It provides nutrient-rich water straight to the roots of the plant. Water waste is decreased by the closed circuit architecture of these systems.

How can I fund vertical farming?

There are numerous arguments in favor of vertical farming. To find out more about how it can help your company, get in touch with us. Our experts will assist you choose the appropriate technology and will offer advice on the best course of action!