Vertical farming is the practice of using alternative methods in farming such as hydroponics, aeroponics, and aquaponics in order to use less space and be more efficient with resources. It is often stacked in vertical layers and done indoors where the environment is controlled. It aims to utilize the growth of plants by optimizing nutrients, pH, and lighting conditions. Because it doesn’t need a huge area, it can be done within urban areas to save space and to cut the distance between farms and consumers.
Benefits of Vertical Farming
Eco-Friendly
Farming can take a toll on the environment as much as other industries. It isn’t always talked about because food is one of our basic needs. But with the current technologies available, it’s now possible to use alternatives that mitigate the negative impacts o the environment.
Using indoor farming, transporting food from farmers to consumers will need fewer fossil fuels. It also reduces the need for using equipment that relies on fossil fuels. Last but not least, it doesn’t disrupt the ecosystem and habitat so that flora and fauna can flourish.
Less Waste Usage
Vertical farming cuts down water use by 70 to 90 percent. It requires less water to cultivate plants and this water can also be recycled. Fewer resources used and wasted means more for the environment.
Optimized Weather Conditions
Because it is done indoors, the environment can be customized to suit the needs of the plant for optimal growth. From the temperature to the lighting conditions, each step of the pro
One of the biggest risks in growing crops in an open field is the extreme and unpredictable weather conditions. Natural calamities such as hurricanes, flooding, droughts, extended periods of rain, and even fires are becoming more frequent due to global warming.
Indoor farms won’t be susceptible to the damages brought by unpredictable weather. There’s more certainty that most of the crops will be harvested and brought to customers just in time.
All-year Availability
Vertical farming doesn’t rely on farming techniques that can take time. These plants to be harvested all year round without the negative effects on soil. The controlled environment also adds, which makes crops grow whatever season it is.
Vertical farming allows more crops to be produced in the same or even lesser area. In fact, if you compare the production of 1 acre of farm versus 1 acre of an indoor farm, the latter could produce results that are equal to 4 to 6 acres of the farm.
This makes it easier to grow in urban areas, to make use of abandoned warehouses, old buildings, or any lot in the city that can be utilized to make food.
Reduces Food Miles
Another aspect in the food production chain that contributes to the looming carbon footprint is food miles. Food miles is the distance food is transported from farm to table. Since most farms are located in the outskirts of the state, it takes a lot of fossil fuel to deliver these goods from one place to another. Another aspect is the shipping of food from country to country since some vegetables are only grown in distinct countries.
Vertical farming allows food to be grown closer to where the people live. Transportation costs will be cut down and supplies are replenished more quickly. It also reduces the need for storage since the food available will be fresher.
Promotes Sustainability
Local growers will be able to penetrate the market easier because it requires fewer resources and land. This opens up job opportunities for many people without adding harm to the environment.