Vertical Farming Research Articles

Optimal Parameters and Operating Modes of the Vertical Farm Lighting System: an Overview of World Research

The vertical farm is a closed system, which is characterized by the most favorable climate with minimal interaction with the external environment. The optimal microclimate of vertical farms provides stable production of dry mass of crops, unlike greenhouses. At higher latitudes, heating greenhouses requires more electricity than lighting. The main task for expanding the geography of the study of vertical farms is to determine the optimal parameters and operating modes of lighting systems in order to minimize the cost of electricity in the production of a unit of production. (Research purpose) The research purpose is reviewing the world research on the optimal parameters and modes of the lighting system of vertical farms. (Materials and methods) Analyzed foreign studies on the use of artificial light sources in crop production for maximum production at minimum cost of purchased electricity. (Results and discussion) It has been shown that with a long photoperiod and low levels of photosynthetic photon flux density, light and electrical energy are used more efficiently within an equal daylight interval. (Conclusions) Based on the results of a review of world studies, it was revealed that a photoperiod of 16 hours a day is necessary for plants to achieve the greatest mass and minimum time spent when growing lettuce, basil, and microgreens. It was determined that the density of photosynthetic photon flux is minimally sufficient when growing microgreens – 100 micromoles per square meter per day (spectrum blue:red:far red light B:R:FR = 20:70:10), lettuce – 200 micromoles per square meter per day (red-blue light R:B = 70:30 and warm white light B:G:R:FR = 8:30:51:11, respectively), the basil has 250 micromoles per square meter per day (blue:red:high red light B:R:FR = 10:80:10).

Systems-level proteomics and metabolomics reveals the diel molecular landscape of diverse kale cultivars.

Kale is a group of diverse Brassicaceae species that are nutritious leafy greens consumed for their abundance of vitamins and micronutrients. Typified by their curly, serrated and/or wavy leaves, kale varieties have been primarily defined based on their leaf morphology and geographic origin, despite having complex genetic backgrounds. Kale is a very promising crop for vertical farming due to its high nutritional content; however, being a non-model organism, foundational, systems-level analyses of kale are lacking. Previous studies in kale have shown that time-of-day harvesting can affect its nutritional composition. Therefore, to gain a systems-level diel understanding of kale across its wide-ranging and diverse genetic landscape, we selected nine publicly available and commercially grown kale cultivars for growth under near-sunlight LED light conditions ideal for vertical farming. We then analyzed changes in morphology, growth and nutrition using a combination of plant phenotyping, proteomics and metabolomics. As the diel molecular activities of plants drive their daily growth and development, ultimately determining their productivity as a crop, we harvested kale leaf tissue at both end-of-day (ED) and end-of-night (EN) time-points for all molecular analyses. Our results reveal that diel proteome and metabolome signatures divide the selected kale cultivars into two groups defined by their amino acid and sugar content, along with significant proteome differences involving carbon and nitrogen metabolism, mRNA splicing, protein translation and light harvesting. Together, our multi-cultivar, multi-omic analysis provides new insights into the molecular underpinnings of the diel growth and development landscape of kale, advancing our fundamental understanding of this nutritious leafy green super-food for horticulture/vertical farming applications.

Consumer Perception and Acceptance Across Different Scales of Vertical Farming in Klang Valley

To fulfil specific social and ecological goals, urban planners have started to view cities as sites for food production due to the world's increasing urbanisation and population growth. A large urban population can accommodate a bigger population. However, it is necessary to do so while reducing the expense of essential services. Town zones need the most intensive efforts, but they also provide the advantage of integrating local food production facilities into development owing to the high concentration of consumers. With the Malaysian government promoting urban farming initiatives, urban residents in affected communities will be able to explore vertical farming activities as a source of income. Thus, this study explores consumer insights on the awareness and purchasing habits of vertical farming products and systems. In specific, this study determines the fundamental drivers behind the implementation of three separate vertical farming systems as well as the behavioural intent of consumers to acquire either the items produced by these systems or the systems themselves. A quantitative survey involving 410 respondents from the Klang Valley was carried out. Structural equation modelling was used as the analysis method in this study. The findings reveal that customer acceptability of vertical farming systems is mostly influenced by their perceived usefulness. Greater accessibility and functionality increase the possibility that the technology will be accepted by consumers. This study will accommodate further research into the viability of vertical farms operating at various scales based on the needs and financial capabilities of a region.

Combined Effects of Different LED Light Recipes and Slow-Release Fertilizers on Baby Leaf Lettuce Growth for Vertical Farming: Modeling through DoE

The modern agriculture system based on open-field crops requires a lot of energy and resources in terms of soil, water, and chemicals. Vertical farming (VF) systems could be a viable alternative for some types of cultivation that are receiving interest thanks to their high modularity, optimized water and nutrients use, and LEDs employment as an energy-efficient light source. However, VF design and installation are expensive and require well-tailored optimization depending on the specific crop to increase its competitiveness. This work analyzed the effects of different combinations of NPK (nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium) slow-release fertilizers and LED-based light recipes on the growth of baby leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), taking advantage of the Design of Experiments (DoE) methodology. The type of slow-release fertilizer, its quantity measured as the number of aggregates from 0 to 6, and the type of light recipe were considered as input factors, and their possible influence on the growth of lettuce (in terms of morphological parameters) in a controlled indoor farming system was measured. Results suggest that using higher fertilizer inputs equal to six aggregates leads to an increase of average leaf area equal to 46% (from 13.00 cm2 to 19.00 cm2), while the fresh weight of lettuce increases by 65% (from 1.79 g to 2.96 g). However, the height of plants also depends on the combination of the light recipes. In particular, the separate coupling of higher inputs of two fertilizers and light recipes leads to an increase in the height of lettuce equal to 33% (from 6.00 cm to 8.00 cm).

Vertical Farming using Smart Farming

Nutrient content (Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Potassium) monitoring in soils is essential for the proper use of fertilizers to minimize the environmental impact of wrong pattern fertilization practice. Collecting samples from different locations and laboratory testing takes longer and costs a lot. New-generation digital sensors are smart enough to replace chemical lab testing in real-time with minimum effort and with almost precise results. The Proposed system tends to implement various suggestions that would also help improve the quality of the work being done by the soil testing laboratories. By this, we can able to test our soil parameter in that condition quickly in our field for further processes and we will get the soil parameter report without any delay. And we can get information about the fertilizer and crop matches for that result and the number of fertilizers to be used. And to demonstrate soil humidity sensors and pH sensors to measure the NPK values which determine the fertility of the soil, which helps to improve cultivating system. The results obtained from our developed sensing system are almost accurate and very close to the laboratory test readings. Arduino plays a key role in processing data received from the sensor as input, the counters used here produce the respected output values for the parameters. There the values received by the Arduino are compared with the database and provide related information which is matched to the current calculated values. The output values provided by the Arduino and sensors will be displayed on the LCD. Here the output not only provides formation on fertility present in the soil but also suggests crops to be grown on that soil. Keywords—Vertical farming, smart farming, nutrient monitoring, digital sensors, soil fertility, crop suggestions.

Precise Management of Hydroponic Nutrient Solution pH: The Effects of Minor pH Changes and MES Buffer Molarity on Lettuce Physiological Properties

The precise management of the nutrient solution pH is substantial for optimizing the growth and yield of hydroponically cultivated crops. Nutrient solution pH affects the solubility and availability of essential nutrients; however, during hydroponic cultivation, the pH of nutrient solution fluctuates due to unbalanced ion absorption by plants. Nutrient solution pH fluctuations might be passively controlled using a supplementary buffering agent. Nutrient solution characteristics such as pH and buffering agent molarity must be addressed simultaneously. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to evaluate hydroponically cultivated lettuce’s physiological response to minor nutrient solution pH differences and the impact of supplementary buffering agent molarity on its growth, antioxidant activity, and mineral nutrient uptake. Green lettuce (Lactuca sativa (L.)) ‘Hugin’ was cultivated in deep water culture (DWC) hydroponics in a controlled environment replicating common vertical farming conditions, and nutrient solution pH impact within the range of 5.0–6.5 was evaluated every 0.5 pH unit. Initial nutrient solution buffer capacity was enhanced by adding MES (2-(N-morpholino) ethanesulfonic acid) at 0, 1, 3, and 5 mM concentrations. Results show that even small nutrient pH differences are reflected in plant physiological responses, indicating the significance of precise pH management. Even though dry weight accumulation is not affected by the pH 5.0–5.5 treatment, it increases root antioxidant response according to ABTS (2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) radical scavenging activity. An initial nutrient solution buffer capacity increment with 3 mM of MES (2-(N-morpholino) ethanesulfonic acid) supplementary buffering agent resulted in a 17% yield increase compared to a nutrient solution without an additional buffering agent. MES buffer can provide adequate, passive, and precise nutrient solution pH control within the pH range of 6.0–6.5.

Life cycle assessment of microgreen production: effects of indoor vertical farm management on yield and environmental performance

The global production of plant-based foods is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Indoor vertical farms (IVFs) have emerged as a promising approach to urban agriculture. However, their environmental performance is not well understood, particularly in relation to operational choices where global warming potentials (GWP) can vary between 0.01–54 kg CO2e/kg−1 of leafy greens produced. We conducted a life cycle assessment (LCA) of a building-integrated IVF for microgreen production to analyse a range of operational conditions for cultivation: air temperature, CO2 concentration, and photoperiod. We analyzed a dynamic LCA inventory that combined a process-based plant growth model and a mass balance model for air and heat exchange between the chamber and the outside. Results showed that the GWP of IVFs can vary greatly depending on the operation conditions set, ranging from 3.3 to 63.3 kg CO2e/kg−1. The optimal conditions for minimizing GWP were identified as 20 ℃, maximum CO2 concentration in the chamber, and maximum photoperiod, which led to a minimum GWP of 3.3 kg CO2e/kg−1 and maximum production of 290.5 kg fresh weight week-1. Intensification of production thus led to lower impacts because the marginal increase in yield due to increased resource use was larger than the marginal increase in impact. Therefore, adjusting growing conditions is essential for the sustainability of urban food production.

Let-Us Investigate; A Meta-Analysis of Influencing Factors on Lettuce Crop Yields within Controlled-Environment Agriculture Systems.

Climate change-related impacts have hampered the productivity of agricultural lands in recent times, affecting food security globally. Novel technology-based agricultural production systems such as controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) are a way to reduce the impact of climatic variation and pests that harm current global crop production and ensure consistent crop development. These systems often use artificial lighting and soilless mediums to produce crops. This meta-analysis has investigated the key influencing factors on crop production within these systems, using previous studies on lettuce (the most cultivated crop in these systems) to understand what affects yield within CEA. This analysis has found that on average, CEA systems yield twice that of field-based agriculture (3.68 kg m-2 vs. 1.88 kg m-2), with the most influencing factors being the variety of cultivars grown, the season, the nutrient delivery method, and the lighting type. The cultivation time for this study was 40 days, with 94% of papers having trial periods of 70 days or less, much lower than field-based agriculture (60-120 days). Vertical farming (stacked vertical CEA cultivation) studies were found to especially drive up yield per area (6.88 kg m-2). The results of this meta-analysis are useful for starting to understand the key influencing factors on CEA growth and highlight the breadth of research ongoing in the CEA industry.

Vertical Farming: An Option in Modern Food Production: A Review

Meeting the food needs will be one of the major problems, as farmland is being lost due to causes including soil contamination, water scarcity, and climate change, among others. In this situation, a workable alternative to manage this perennial problem is provided by vertical farming, an energy-efficient, environmentally friendly agricultural technology that does not use soil. Vertical farming could indeed be an important factor in the production of crops and vegetables in regions with scarce soil and water resources. With modern technology such as hydroponics, aeroponics, and aquaponics, the idea of a vertical farm appears to have a promising future. In times of pandemics like COVID-19, it has emerged as a viable option for growing a wide range of food crops to suit the dietary needs of the growing world population.

Engineering Hydroponic Systems for Sustainable Wastewater Treatment and Plant Growth

This study aimed to optimize hydroponic systems for simultaneous wastewater treatment/nutrient recovery and plant growth. Various hydroponic systems (geyser pump, full flow, ebb and flow, nutrient film techniques, aeroponics, misting) were constructed using 160 mm PVC waste pipes supported on a 200 L reservoir. Secondary wastewater was used to cultivate rice (Oryza sativa), ivy (Hedera helix), tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum), and wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum). Parameters such as plant height, biomass, retention time, temperature, conductivity, pH, dissolved oxygen, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, total phosphorus, COD, BOD, TDS, TSS, and TS were monitored. Results indicated minor variations in pH, EC, and TDS over time in systems with and without plants, with no significant differences. Turbidity decreased significantly (p ≤ 0.001) in all systems, while TOC levels reduced significantly (p ≤ 0.05) only in the presence of plants. BOD and COD levels exhibited similar reductions with and without plants. Ammonium levels decreased in plant systems, while nitrite levels remained unchanged. Nitrate levels increased significantly in plant systems, and phosphate levels showed no significant difference. Additionally, significant (p ≤ 0.001) plant length (12.84–46.75%) and biomass (31.90–57.86%) increases were observed in all hydroponic systems, accompanied by higher levels of dissolved oxygen (36.26–53.65%), compared to the control (4.59%). The hydroponic system that created a moist atmosphere, either through misting or aeroponics, thus allowing maximum access to oxygen, showed the greatest growth. This study confirmed the importance of oxygen availability to the rhizosphere for plant growth and wastewater treatment. It also identified limitations and investigated the impact of dissolved oxygen concentration on plant–microorganism interactions. Optimal oxygen availability was achieved when plant roots were exposed to a moist atmosphere created by the hydroponic system through aeroponics or misting. The findings have practical implications for hydroponic system design in urban vertical farms, benefiting wastewater treatment, mitigating eutrophication, and reducing food miles.

Improving Production Yield and Nutritional Quality of Coastal Glehnia Using Developed Hydroponic Nutrient Solution in Controlled Environment Agriculture

This study was conducted to develop a nutrient solution for coastal glehnia, evaluate the performance of the newly developed nutrient solution, and determine an adequate electrical conductivity (EC) level for growth and bioactive compounds production in controlled environment agriculture (CEA). Coastal glehnia plants cultivated in Hoagland nutrient solution with EC 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 dS·m−1 for 20 weeks had the same ratio of cations and anions in terms of macro essential elements. Based on the ratio, a new nutrient solution for coastal glehnia was developed. Subsequently, seedlings with two main leaves were grown in Hoagland nutrient solution (H1 and H2; EC 1 and 2 dS·m−1) or a newly developed nutrient solution (N1–5; EC 1–5 dS·m−1) for 23 weeks (about 6 months), and the leaves were harvested every 5 weeks. The N1 treatment resulted in significantly higher accumulated and average shoot fresh and dry weights than in the H1 and H2 treatments. In addition, the total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity per shoot were the highest under the N1 treatment. Individual bioactive compounds, such as xanthotoxin, bergapten, and imperatorin, levels per shoot with the N1 treatment were significantly higher than those with the H1 and H2 treatments. These results demonstrate that the newly developed nutrient solution of EC 1 dS·m−1 increases the biomass and bioactive compound levels of coastal glehnia and is suitable for cultivating coastal glehnia in CEA, such as vertical farms and greenhouses.

Improving water use efficiency in vertical farming: Effects of growing systems, far-red radiation and planting density on lettuce cultivation

Vertical farms (VFs) are innovative urban production facilities consisting of multi-level indoor systems equipped with artificial lighting in which all the environmental conditions are controlled independently from the external climate. VFs are generally provided with a closed loop fertigation system to optimize the use of water and nutrients. The objective of this study, performed within an experimental VF at the University of Bologna, was to quantify the water use efficiency (WUE, ratio between plant fresh weight and the volume of water used) for a lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) growth cycle obtained in two different growing systems: an ebb-and-flow substrate culture and a high pressure aeroponic system. Considering the total water consumed (water used for irrigation and climate management), WUE of ebb-and-flow and aeroponics was 28.1 and 52.9 g L−1 H2O, respectively. During the growing cycle, the contribution generated by the recovery of internal air moisture from the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, was quantified. Indeed, by recovering water from the dehumidifier, water use decreases dramatically (by 67 %), while WUE increased by 206 %. Further improvement of WUE in the ebb-and-flow system was obtained through ameliorated crop management strategies, in particular, by increasing planting densities (e.g., 153, 270 and 733 plants m−2) and by optimizing the light spectrum used for plant growth (e.g., adjusting the amount of far-red radiation in the spectrum). Strategies for efficient use of water in high-tech urban indoor growing systems are therefore proposed.

Applied of Analytical Hierarchy Process and Fuzzy Time Series in Hybrid for Optimizing Smart Vertical Farming with Multi-Variety Plants

Vertical Farming is a kind of modern agricultural methods, where the structure of growing racks are arranged upwards. This method aims to optimize the use of agricultural space. There are many plants, which are suitable to be planted for vertical farming, such as Strawberry, Tomatoes, Celery, Chili, Mint, Chives, Kuchay, Spinach, and Water spinach. The problem, which is studied in this paper, is how to control the environments of vertical farming with multi-variety plants. This paper proposed a hybrid method of Analytical Hierarchy Process and Fuzzy Time Series AHP-FTS, that is, plants with similar characteristics are placed at the same block area determined by the method of Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Furthermore, controlling the environments regarding the needs of appropriate growing parameters for multi-variety plants, the Fuzzy Time Series (FTS) method is used. Then, time variable for activating actuators could be adjusted as a multi-control system. The effectiveness of the proposed method was evaluated with 365 record data in 12 months. The result shows that the AHP was successful to determine the multi-criteria to determine the zone and priority of plants. The second stage is that the FTS predicts the temperature to determine time variable for activating actuators, and the third stage is the implemented AHP-FTS as a hybrid system to evaluate the vertical Farming system. The results show that the proposed system works well as hybrid system of AHP-FTS

Production of Beauregard Sweet Potato in vertical farming under different fertilization technologies

Ipomoea batatas, popularly known as sweet potato, is a species of the Convolvulaceae family, with probable origin between Mexico and northern South America. Among the genotypes with economic potential, the biofortified cultivar Beauregard (Ipomoea batatas) stands out due to its rusticity and easy handling. Controlled-release fertilizers were mostly used in studies developed in other countries, and their study being necessary in Brazilian soil and climatic conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the development of Beauregard biofortified cultivar, submitted to different fertilization technologies in vertical farming system. The plantlets received different doses of controlled-release fertilizer: 0.0 (control); 30; 60; 90; 120g and a dose of 40g per pit of NPK 13-13-28 of ready solubility. At 180 days, biometric and production parameter data were collected and submitted to regression analysis and variance analysis followed by the Scott-Knott test for mean separation. The application of controlled-release fertilizer showed a positive effect on the production of the studied cultivar, favoring the performance of the plants and promoting the increase especially in height, length of branches and number of leaves. The base application of controlled-release fertilizer at a dose of 30g per plant and traditional NPK fertilizer at a dose of 40g per plant promote higher yields of dry mass of shoots and root when compared to unfertilized plants in the cultivation of sweet potatoes in vertical farming.

Impact of Aatmanirbharta (Self-reliance) Agriculture and Sustainable Farming for the 21st Century to Achieve Sustainable Growth

Purpose: Indian Agriculture is 3rd most significant contributor to GDP and more than 50% of the population is dependent on agriculture, Indian agriculture accounts for15% of the country’s Gross Value added to the economy, and agriculture policies and schemes implemented by the government to increase the production, income level of farmers, employment, growth of the rural area, provide Digital agricultural stack in area of IoT, block chain, Geographic Information System(GIS) Kisan Drones, Big data, as per the report of NITI Aayog AI in agriculture would be worth $ 2.6 bn and Agri-Startups promote the circular economy with sustainable farming in the area of Millet, organic farming and vertical farming. It is an important pillar of sustainability and it is recognized as 7 out of 17 Sustainable development goals. Sustainable agriculture farming is the order of the 21st century in India which currently has 4.43 million organic farmers, according to the Economic Survey 2022-23, and a much-needed alternative to conventional for protecting the well-being of the farmers and Society, Economy and Ecosystem. India is Self-reliant in the production of Sugar, Rice, Wheat and food grains. Due to Government Schemes like Atmanirbhar, Minimum Support Price(MPS), PM Kisan Scheme, PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), PM Gati-shakti, National Agriculture Market(e-NAM), Young –Entrepreneurs Accelerator Fund for Agri-Startups, Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PMVY), establishing more Farmer producers Organizations(FPO), National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), Agricultural Technology Management Agency(ATMA), NABARD in providing finance for farm and non-farm sector, PM-PRANAAM for protecting mother earth. These initiatives are to increase the investment opportunities in agriculture, efficiency, and productivity in agriculture for doubling the income of the farmers. Design/Methodology/Approach: The research article is a descriptive study with exploratory research and secondary data collected from News articles, Journals, Government websites, Books, magazines, and reports for the analysis. Findings: Organic farming and sustainable agriculture is good for the economy and environment. The study reveals that in India Sustainable green revaluation in Agriculture Technology and moving towards achieving sustainable development goals (SDG). Type of Paper: Case Study.

Development of a Low-Cost and Modular Vertical Farming Rig for Sustainable Farming Process

Development of a Low-Cost and Modular Vertical Farming Rig for Sustainable Farming Process

Optimization of vertical farms energy efficiency via multiperiodic graph-theoretical approach

A systematic method is proposed for enhancing the energy efficiency of vertical farms when integrated into urban infrastructure. The method relies on the optimization of a multiperiod model that determines the system's best operation plan considering variations in its parameters throughout the day. These parameters include factors such as resources availability from the urban infrastructure and fluctuations in electricity prices. The model is formulated and solved via the tools of the P-graph framework, which permits the automatic formulation of the rigorous superstructure and the efficient optimization of the integrated system's operation. The method is illustrated via a case study comprising three scenarios. The most efficient case demonstrates up to 40% electricity cost saving potential for a particular operation day, and up to 31% for the entire year. The method presented constitutes an optimization tool that can use real data on electricity prices and forecasts of weather conditions to reduce operating costs and enhance the energy efficiency and sustainability of vertical farming systems.

Building Integrated Vegetation Systems and their Sustainability Aspects; A Literature Review


 Abstract:There is a growing need of sustainable building development all over the world. It aims to decrease the adverse effects to the environment due to urbanization and escalating population growth. Since the building construction is considered as one of the main concerns, the priority was given to mitigate the negative impact to the environment. Therefore, incorporating sustainable elements and techniques to the buildings to regain the land loss due to construction activities in cities is currently practicing. Adding various vegetation types through different approaches, to obtain the expected results of better living condition around the building is called as building integrated vegetation systems (BIV). Vertical gardening systems, vertical farms, constructed green roofs and roof farms can be stated as main categories of BIV systems. However, there is a paucity of published critical reviews on such systems and therefore, this study is an attempt to review the overall sustainability aspects of BIV systems including environmental sustainability, economic sustainability and social sustainability. This study consists with a critical review of 114 research publications from relevant journals and online scientific databases. Finally, the identified sustainability aspects of each BIV systems were analyzed to select the best option in terms of greening a building which can be recommended for the implementations in future. Mainly, the importance of moving towards the sustainable solution which meets the food needs through BIV is finally discussed. Finally, it can be concluded that by incorporating green architecture with smart agriculture, we can expect green, healthy and productive cities which fulfill the main requirements of sustainable cities. Though there are many challenges to overcome, maintaining good management practices will give better output. Out of the 114 literature selected for this study, only 8 research papers were discussed about the drawbacks and the limitations of the BIV systems which is still having paucity of information.
 Keywords: Building Integrated Vegetation systems, Economic Sustainability, Environmental Sustainability, Social Sustainability

Environmental life cycle assessment of a large-scale commercial vertical farm

Vertical farms are often claimed to have better environmental performance compared to conventional products on the market. However, there are few assessments of the environmental performance of vertical farms, in particular commercial systems. This study has aimed to analyze the environmental performance of a large commercial vertical farm in Sweden producing packaged lettuce. Life cycle assessment was employed to assess the environmental performance and compare it to conventional imported and domestically produced lettuce from a cradle-to-grave perspective. For conventional supply chains, the production, transportation to Sweden, washing, processing, packaging, and final distribution were all included. The results from the study suggest that the vertical farm has lower GHG emissions than conventionally sourced varieties. However, for other impact categories, the vertical farm may have larger environmental impacts from a life cycle perspective due primarily to the large electricity demand. The electricity use, packaging, infrastructure, and distribution of the products to retail were found to be the primary hotspots for the system. Finally, key performance indicators are also provided to compare the results of this study with other indoor farming studies. The results from the KPIs suggest that the vertical farm has better water use efficiency, GHG emissions, and energy use efficiency compared to other studies in the literature. The results of this study provide insights into the environmental performance and resource use of vertical farms, which can be used for comparisons and validation of claims in the industry, and to provide empirical evidence to this developing field.

Horticulture horizons an exploring advanced technologies in plant cultivation

Horticulture, the science and art of plant cultivation, is undergoing a revolutionary transformation propelled by advanced technologies. This article delves into the forefront of horticulture horizons, examining the cutting-edge innovations that are reshaping traditional practices and ushering in a new era of plant cultivation. From precision agriculture utilizing sensors and data analytics to vertical farming with controlled environments and smart greenhouses incorporating AI, the landscape of horticulture is evolving rapidly. Biotechnology and genetic engineering are redefining crop development, creating resilient and high-yielding varieties, while robotics is automating labour-intensive tasks. This exploration highlights the potential of these technologies to enhance efficiency, increase productivity, and contribute to sustainable and resilient food production systems. The horizons of horticulture are expanding as these advancements pave the way for a future where technology and agriculture converge to meet the growing demands of a global population.