Vertical Farming Research Articles

Assessment of climate change impact and resource-use efficiency of lettuce production in vertical farming and greenhouse production in Finland: a case study

PurposeOur aim in this study was to examine lettuce production in vertical farming or in conventional greenhouse production in Northern European conditions from the perspective of climate change impact and environmental sustainability. Further, the goal was to identify practices and choices that could mitigate adverse effects and increase resource-use efficiency, allowing the development of more sustainable production systems.MethodsThis article provides new information of the environmental impacts of lettuce production in greenhouses and vertical farming in Finland, compared using the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. The impact categories used were climate change impact, cumulative energy demand, resource use of fossil energy sources, resource use of minerals and metals, land use, and water scarcity. The system boundaries covered the production chains from cradle to farmgate, including inputs in production, as well as direct emissions caused by fertiliser use and the onsite composting of organic waste. The environmental impacts of the two production systems with different energy scenarios were assessed: (1) a greenhouse either with average or renewable energy; and (2) vertical farming either with average or renewable energy and with or without waste heat recovery. The data for vertical farming were based on one Finnish production site and supplementary data for the construction materials. The greenhouse data were based on a previous LCA investigation of average Finnish lettuce production.ResultsThe climate change and all other impact categories were lowest for lettuce produced in vertical farming with renewable energy and waste heat recovery. The climate change impact was largest for lettuce produced in greenhouse with average energy use. For energy use and energy resource use, the impacts of vertical farming were lower than greenhouse production, but for mineral and metal use and water scarcity, the impact of vertical farming was higher for average energy use without heat recovery. Direct land and irrigation water use on the production sites in Finnish circumstances represented only a small share of total land-use and water-use impacts on both production methods.ConclusionPaying attention to the energy source and heat recovery, the environmental sustainability can be advanced in both vertical and greenhouse production systems.

Enabling social approaches for contextualised learning at primary schools

Through a project undertaken under a programme funded by United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI) called Transforming Education for Sustainable Futures (TESF), alternative learning approaches associated with the introduction of a form of vertical farming called ‘tower gardens’ at primary schools were explored. Methods that were new to the local education context were used to support the learning process, for example role-playing sketches that allowed learners to share their own knowledge about gardening activities with their peers, teachers and staff from the non-governmental organisation that facilitated the process. This collective sharing and recall were key elements of the social learning process, building into individual and group knowledge. Corroborated memory recall contributed to group learning and also built into the collective storage of knowledge. Learning was firmly embedded in social interaction, in collective symbolism and arts – music specifically. These forms of learning and storing of knowledge resonated with the learners as it was a continuation of life as they know it in their community. It became clear from the project that educators saw the value of introducing concepts from classroom subjects when constructing and managing the tower gardens and were pleasantly surprised by the responses of the learners to this new way of learning, suggesting that creating scope within the curriculum and schoolwork plan is necessary in tandem with building the required capacity to replicate this without external support.

Enhancing vertical farming with cutting-edge automation: A comprehensive review

Enhancing vertical farming with cutting-edge automation: A comprehensive review

Energy efficiency of solar illuminated vertical farms with different illumination strategies

Energy efficiency of a solar illuminated vertical farm is investigated considering different illumination scenarios. The analysis considers the energy consumed by a typical vertical farming facility for heating, cooling and lighting with and without ventilation. Different illumination scenarios consider utilizing fluorescent reflectors converting green light, which is reflected by green leaved produce, to red to increase photosynthetic production, IR filters preventing solar wavelengths, which do not contribute to photosynthetic growth, to enter the facility to reduce cooling load, and light emitting diodes used as a means of complementary/main lighting. Through analyzing 5 different scenarios where these technologies are used in different combinations, the contribution of each technology is identified for 22o, 41o and 60o latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere. It was found that using IR filters is the most effective means of increasing energy efficiency, whereas the impact of using fluorescent coating to energy efficiency is limited in presence of supplementary light emitting diodes illumination. Relying solely on light emitting diodes yield a significant increase in energy consumed to grow per kg of crop. High production rate can be achieved using solar illumination with IR filters, fluorescent coatings and supplementary LED lighting with ventilation that can lead to energy savings of 22 %, 28 %, 29 % with respect to solely relying on LED illumination for 22°N, 41°N, 60°N, respectively. Whereas the corresponding savings, when no ventilation is used are 19 %, 18 %, 13.6 %, for 22°N, 41°N, 60°N, respectively.

A circular economy integration approach into vertical farming with computer-based simulation model for resource optimization and waste reduction

Integrating circular economy into vertical farming holds promises to transform the current economic landscape and bolster environmental sustainability. However, knowledge gaps persist regarding the efficiency of vertical farming methods within the circular economy context, particularly in the development of a simulation model aimed at resource optimization and waste reduction. This study aimed to analyze the vertical farming methods in the circular economy framework and introduce a zero-waste circular economy model both experimentally and through simulation. In the study, a circular economy model was proposed and implemented, utilizing waste generated from hydroponics and aquaponics, alongside vermicompost tea and aerobic compost tea/quick compost, as nutrients for six distinct halophyte plants in the secondary farming setup. The model serves as a valuable tool for identifying and assessing critical factors influencing the circular economy principle, as well as for optimizing resource allocation and management. Over six weeks, plant growth was monitored and compared across the vertical farming methods. Results show that both hydroponic and aquaponic waste proved superior growth compared to the alternatives, highlighting vertical farming's potential for the circular economy. Using the results from the experimental observation, a simulation model was developed. The simulation model's accuracy was validated by comparing outcomes with actual data. Furthermore, the model was used to optimize for balancing resources and capacities in each stage of vertical farming. The vertical farming circular economy model proposed in this study can serve as a blueprint for agriculturalists and decision-makers to adopt more sustainable and efficient farming practices that not only reduce waste but also generate profits.

A review on urban farming: Potential, challenges and opportunities

Urban farming has emerged as a promising solution to address food security in cities. It encompasses several farming models, such as community, indoor, rooftop, and vertical farms, equipped with various farming techniques like aeroponics, hydroponics, and aquaponics. However, sustainability and yield remain major challenges to fully realize its potential. To gain more insights, we have analysed scientific literature and interviewed urban farmers. Key challenges identified include limited land and water resources, incidences of pests and diseases, financial constraints for setup and maintenance, knowledge and skill gaps among participants, and lack of effective collaboration between universities, government, and industries. This review discusses global initiatives in urban farming, different types of farming models, their benefits and challenges, and explores opportunities to address these challenges. The insights gained from this study will serve as a resource for the establishment of urban farms and the development of strategies aimed at enhancing the sustainability of urban farming.

Advances in Vertical Farming: Opportunities and Challenges

Vertical farming has emerged as a promising solution to address the challenges of food security, sustainability, and urbanization in the 21st century. This innovative approach to agriculture involves growing crops in vertically stacked layers within controlled environments, optimizing space, resources, and yields. Vertical farming represents a significant innovation in agriculture, designed to meet the challenges of urban food production with enhanced efficiency and sustainability. This study examines recent technological advancements in vertical farming, emphasizing methods such as automation. By growing crops in vertically stacked layers within controlled environments, vertical farming maximizes space utilization and minimizes resource consumption. The results indicate substantial improvements in crop yields and quality, along with reduced water and pesticide use. Additionally, the proximity of vertical farms to urban centers shortens supply chains, lowering transportation costs and carbon emissions. The discussion highlights the economic benefits, including year-round production and premium pricing for pesticide-free produce, alongside the challenges of high initial investments and energy demands. The environmental impacts are also considered, noting significant reductions in land use and water consumption compared to traditional farming. This review underscores the potential of vertical farming to contribute to global food security and sustainable urban development, while addressing the need for further research and collaboration to overcome existing barriers. The findings suggest that continued innovation and supportive policies are crucial for the widespread adoption and success of vertical farming practices.

RGB LED for Communication, Harvesting and Sensing in IoT Applications

RGB LED bulbs have entered the market as a promising alternative to traditional phosphor-coating LEDs to meet illumination standards. In this article, we introduce and propose solutions to address the challenges of RGB LED lighting for the Internet of Things applications, performing communication, harvesting energy, and sensing tasks. Through experiments, we demonstrate that we can use RGB LEDs for multiple tasks. We can achieve a bandwidth in the order of 50 kHz and distances of around 3.5 m using commercial RGB LED bulbs as transceivers, without using any dedicated photodetector. RGB LED links are composed of three main colors, and we show that red is the best color both for communicating to another receiving RGB LED bulb, as well as for harvesting with a solar cell; green and blue can instead be exploited for standard-compliant lighting and/or sensing purposes. We evaluate the system in two proofs of concept and provide insights for operating RGB LEDs for multiple tasks including vertical farming.

Correlation, path-coefficient and principal component analysis association among quantitative traits in strawberry to unlock potential of vertical farming system

The study explores the complex relationship between quantitative and qualitative characteristics in strawberries grown using a vertical farming system and artificial full spectrum light (AFSL). The research reveals the interdependencies between traits, identifies direct, and indirect effects on yield and quality, and highlights critical factors influencing overall variation in strawberry characteristics using correlation analysis, path-coefficient analysis, and principal component analysis (PCA). These discoveries open the door for specialized breeding and cultivation techniques that optimize vertical farming procedures and increase the sustainability and productivity of strawberries. This study confirmed the suitability of a four-layered vertical farming system for strawberry cultivation; however, an additional supply of AFSL at lower levels of verticals ensures a higher yield. The number of fruits per plant and average berry weight had a high (pij > 0.3) degree of association with yield per plant at genotypic and phenotypic levels. The principal component analysis revealed a close association of T1 (top level of vertical with natural light only), T2 (third level from the top of vertical with natural light only), and T5 (third level from the top of vertical with natural light and AFSL for 2 h) with yield contributing traits (number of bud formation, number of flowers, number of fruits per plant, fruit setting (%), fruit volume, average berry weight, average yield, and estimated yield per hectare).

Urban farming and food supply: A comparative review of USA and African cities

Urban farming plays a crucial role in addressing food security challenges in both developed and developing regions. This comparative review explores the dynamics of urban farming and its impact on food supply in two diverse contexts: the United States (USA) and African cities. The study investigates the unique challenges and opportunities faced by urban farming initiatives in these regions, considering factors such as infrastructure, socio-economic conditions, and agricultural practices. In the USA, urban farming has gained momentum as a sustainable solution to enhance local food production and reduce the carbon footprint associated with long-distance food transportation. The analysis delves into the policies, technological advancements, and community engagement strategies that have contributed to the success of urban farming in American cities. Additionally, the study examines the integration of rooftop gardens, vertical farming, and community-supported agriculture in the USA's urban landscape. Conversely, African cities grapple with distinct challenges in implementing and sustaining urban farming practices. The review explores the impact of rapid urbanization, limited resources, and diverse climatic conditions on the feasibility of urban agriculture in African contexts. Strategies such as community empowerment, micro-financing, and knowledge sharing are examined to understand their role in overcoming obstacles and fostering resilient urban farming systems. Keywords: Urban Farming, Food Supply, Sustainable Agriculture, USA, African Cities, Urbanization, Community Engagement, Agricultural Practices, Food Security, Comparative Analysis.

Vertical Farming: Way for Urban Food Security

Vertical Farming: Way for Urban Food Security

Challenges and opportunities in the adoption of entomological pollination of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) by bumblebees in vertical farms: a comprehensive review

The present study aims to analyze, based on bibliographic sources, the possibility of using bumblebees (genus Bombus) in the pollination of tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.) in vertical farms, as well as their advantages and costs. The work includes the definition of vertical farms and their structures, the description of tomato pollination methods in nature, comparisons between different pollination methods in the vertical farming system, cost analyses, and characteristics of these bees that allow their adaptation in enclosed environments with the use of artificial lighting. Considering the high costs in these systems, the hypothesis of using entomological pollination as an alternative to reduce costs is justified. The review was conducted systematically, searching academic databases for relevant articles, theses, and reports on entomological pollination in vertical farms. In conclusion, it can be observed that these bees, besides being excellent pollinators, can possibly adapt to the characteristic conditions of a vertical farm. However, the behavior of these insects within this system has been poorly studied, with many opportunities and topics in this area that can serve as a starting point for future experiments.

Enhancing lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.) propagation in vertical farming system: Investigating the impact of LED red-to-blue ratios and subsequent post-potting growth dynamics

This study aims to examine the influence of red-to-blue (R:B) LED light ratios on the propagation of Lavandula angustifolia within a vertical farming system. Additionally, it seeks to evaluate the persistent effects of LED lighting treatments on post-potting development in a glasshouse.The objective of this study is to assess how different R:B LED light ratios impact Lavandula angustifolia propagation in a vertical farming system and to analyze the enduring effects of these lighting treatments during the post-potting development stage in a glasshouse.The study consists of two phases. In the initial phase, an analysis was conducted on root emergence, root and shoot biomass, chlorophyll content, and flower bud emergence. Two LED treatments, labeled L1 and L2, were employed, with specific R:B ratios (7:1 and 9:1) and light intensities set at 140 µmol m−2 s−1 and 100 µmol m−2 s−1, respectively. Correlation and regression analyses were performed to understand the relationships among the various parameters.In Phase One, the L1 and L2 LED treatments significantly enhanced root emergence and biomass. Notably, the R:B ratios of 7:1 and 9:1, with corresponding intensities of 140 µmol m−2 s−1 and 100 µmol m−2 s−1, demonstrated substantial improvements. In the subsequent glasshouse phase, plants previously treated with L1 exhibited superior plant height and shoot biomass.The findings of this study highlight the intricate relationships among different parameters, providing valuable insights for lavender cultivation practices. The positive outcomes, particularly observed in the L1 treatment, emphasize the potential of vertical farming systems and LED lighting in optimizing lavender growth dynamics. This study underscores the importance of specific R:B ratios, contributing to sustainable propagation strategies, and acknowledges the space-efficient nature of vertical farming systems.

High Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density Differentially Improves Edible Biomass Space Use Efficacy in Edamame and Dwarf Tomato.

Improving edible biomass space use efficacy (EBSUE) is important for sustainably producing edamame and dwarf tomatoes in plant factories with artificial light. Photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) may increase EBSUE and space use efficacy (SUE). However, no study has quantitatively explained how PPFD affects EBSUE in edamame and dwarf tomatoes. This study aimed to quantitatively validate the effects of PPFD on EBSUE in dwarf tomatoes and edamame and verify whether this effect differs between these crops. The edamame and dwarf tomato cultivars 'Enrei' and 'Micro-Tom', respectively, were cultivated under treatments with PPFDs of 300, 500, and 700 µmol m-2 s-1. The results showed that the EBSUE and SUE increased with increasing PPFD in both crops. The EBSUE increased depending on the increase in SUE, the dry mass ratio of the edible part to the total plant in the edamame, and the SUE only in the dwarf tomatoes. In conclusion, a high PPFD can improve the EBSUE and SUE of edamame and dwarf tomatoes in different ways at the reproductive growth stage. The findings from this study offer valuable information on optimizing space and resource usage in plant factories with artificial light and vertical farms. Additionally, they shed light on the quantitative impact of PPFD on both EBSUE and SUE.

Zinc and iron biofortification of crops grown in a vertical farm

With the growing global population and climate change, achieving food security is a pressing challenge(1). Vertical farming has the potential to support local food production and security. In the UK population females and younger adults appear to be particularly vulnerable to micronutrient shortfalls from food sources alone. Levels of micronutrient intakes including zinc and iron are below the recommended daily intake(2). As a Total Controlled Environment Agriculture (TCEA) system, vertical farming employs hydroponics using a nutrient solution which offers opportunities to modulate nutrient uptake, and thus influence plant mineral and vitamin composition(3).In this study we aimed to determine the suitability of different crop types for soilless agronomic biofortification with zinc and iron to achieve biofortified crops.In this study, we investigated the effect of the addition of 20ppm (+20 mg L−1) of zinc (ZnSO4) or iron (Fe-EDTA) to the nutrient solution on the growth and nutritional components in pea microgreens, kale microgreens and kale baby leaf plants. The growth conditions were kept identical throughout the treatments with photoperiod 18 h d-1, temperature 20-22°C and relative humidity at 70-80%. Plant growth, mineral composition, glucosinolate content and protein content were evaluated. Results were analysed using ANOVA (p<0.05, Tukey’s test).It was determined that higher amounts of zinc in the nutrient solution resulted in significantly higher levels of zinc in all three crops (p<0.05), with increases of 205% in pea microgreens, 264% in babyleaf kale and 217% in kale microgreens compared to the control plants. Higher amounts of iron in the nutrient solution resulted in significantly higher levels of iron only in pea microgreens, with an increase of 38% (p<0.05). Neither dosing regimen negatively influenced the overall crop performance.These results suggest that the three different crops are suitable for soilless biofortification with zinc and iron, although pea microgreens were the only crop that had a significant increase in iron upon iron-dosing.

Comparison of the Growth Efficiency and Bioactive Compounds of Achyranthes japonica Nakai according to the Sowing Amount in Vertical Farms

Comparison of the Growth Efficiency and Bioactive Compounds of Achyranthes japonica Nakai according to the Sowing Amount in Vertical Farms

수직 농업 자율 컨텍스 결정을 위한 온톨로지 모델링에 관한 연구

Vertical farming is one of the important solutions to overcome future food and population problems. However, underdeveloped countries can't afford due to high initial investment costs and technical huddles. To solve this problem, it is necessary to formalize the vertical farming area using ontology. In this paper, we present an ontology that includes various cultivation methods of vertical farming, connects sensors and actuates according to the methods, and recognizes and controls the cultivation environment context of the selected vertical farming. we expect to be able to autonomously make control decisions about the context by analyzing the environmental context that is important for perceived vertical cultivation using the logical reasoning function of ontology.

Advancing vertical farming with automation for sustainable food production

Advancing vertical farming with automation for sustainable food production

A Comprehensive Review on Protected Cultivation: Importance, Scope and Status

The practice of protected cultivation of horticultural crops has become increasingly important in contemporary agriculture, providing a host of advantages including higher yields, improved quality, and defence against pests and unfavourable weather. This thorough analysis seeks to illustrate protected cultivation practices as they stand today and investigate their potential in horticulture going forward. The examination starts out by going over the many kinds of protected production buildings and their benefits and drawbacks, such as greenhouses, high tunnels, and shade houses. The importance of protected farming in addressing issues related to global food security is then emphasised by maintaining crop output all year round and minimising reliance on seasonal changes. The impact of protected cultivation techniques which include enhanced crop morphogenesis, precipitation control, and the optimisation of environmental parameters like temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide levels on the growth and development of horticultural crops is further examined in this review. In addition, the application of cutting-edge technologies such as aeroponics, hydroponics, and vertical farming in protected growing systems is discussed and its potential to maximise crop output while consuming the least amount of resources is highlighted. The study also explores the difficulties and limitations associated with adopting protected cultivation, such as the need for synthetic inputs, energy requirements, and financial issues. It talks about environmentally friendly and sustainable ways to reduce these problems and support ecological balance, like using renewable energy sources and switching to organic farming methods. The investigation concludes that discussing some potential developments and trends in protected cultivation going forward, including as the application of artificial intelligence, the integration of precision agriculture methods, and the uptake of smart farming technologies. These developments could lead to increased yield and quality improvements in the production of horticulture crops by further optimising resource utilisation, enhancing automation, and improving crop monitoring and management.

Geo-sustainable Practices in Urban Agriculture: A Study of Sustainable Land Use and Natural Resource Conservation at Household Level

This study explores urban agriculture as a solution to food insecurity in Lahore, Pakistan, amid rapid urbanization and declining agricultural productivity. Using a mixed methods approach, the research assesses the current state of urban agriculture, community willingness to adopt such practices, and the factors influencing this adoption. Data was collected from households in Johar Town and Faisal Town through surveys, complemented by a literature review of global urban agriculture policies. The findings reveal limited practice of urban agriculture but significant willingness among residents, driven by factors such as self-reliance, high food prices, and health concerns. However, barriers like lack of access to land, guidance, and time hinder widespread adoption. The socio-economic profile of respondents indicates varied interest and awareness based on age, income, and household size. The study emphasizes the need for policies promoting urban agriculture, including community gardens, vertical farms, and wastewater reuse. Educational campaigns and professional training are essential to raise awareness and build skills among urban dwellers. The research concludes that urban agriculture can enhance food security and sustainability in Lahore with robust policy support and community engagement. Future research should expand the study area, use more nuanced data collection methods, and explore the economic viability of urban agriculture initiatives. Such efforts aim to advance urban agriculture practices and policies in Lahore, making the city more self-sufficient and resilient in food production.