Vertical Farming Research Articles

361 The Effects of Feeding Sprouted Barley on Cow Calf Pairs Health and Performance

Abstract Currently the world population is growing exponentially, which increases the demand to produce high-quality protein. Changes in weather patterns, such as drought, and decreased land resources due to urbanization, increase the strain on the agriculture sector to meet world demands. An alternative method to remedy these issues and still produce high quality livestock feed is through controlled environment vertical farming systems. Sprouted grains are one feed these systems can produce. However, there is little information on the effects of feeding sprouted grains to cattle. Angus cows with a steer calf were fed either feeder quality alfalfa (n =10 pairs) or the same alfalfa and sprouted barley (12.5% DM; n = 10 pairs) for 90 days. On days 0 and 90, body weight, milk, rumen fluid and BCS were collected from cows and hip height and weight were recorded for calves. On day 10, weight was recorded for cows and calves and rumen fluid and milk were obtained from cows. On day 45, rumen fluid and milk were collected from cows. On day 55, body weights were collected for both cows and calves and milk from cows. Intake was recorded throughout the trial via bunks with Vytelle technology. PROC MIXED procedure of SAS was used to analyze all data with day as a repeated measure to determine the main effect of treatment. Individual volatile fatty acids (VFA) were measured as a percent of total VFA present. No differences (P ≥ 0.16) were observed in calf weight, hip height, milk protein, fat, lactose, calf DM intake, or cow DM intake. Cows fed barley sprouts tended (P = 0.08) to have a decreased somatic cell count compared with alfalfa fed cows. There was a treatmentxday effect (P = 0.004) for isobutyrate, such that the treatment and control decreased over time, but the control remained consistent the last 45 days. A treatmentxday effect (P = 0.02) was also observed for butyrate indicating that both remained consistent over the first 45 days and then treatment increased over the last 45 days. Additionally, treatmentxday effect (P = 0.001) for rumen pH demonstrated that both groups stayed consistent until day 45 and then treatment pH decreased the last 45 days. There was a day affect for total VFA (P = 0.0009), acetate:propionate (P < 0.0001), acetate (P < 0.0001), and propionate (P < 0.0001) demonstrating that total VFA and acetate increased throughout the duration of the trial and acetate:propionate and propionate decreased throughout the trial, while the acetate:propionate ratio increased (P < 0.0001) the duration of the trial. Cows receiving sprouted barley produced more (P = 0.02) capronate than control. These results indicate that sprouted barley can be an alternative feed at this stage in production without having a negative impact on health or production but does change the rumen pH and proportion of some VFA.

PSIV-3 The Effects of Feeding Sprouted Barley on Rumen Health of Backgrounded Steers

Abstract By the year 2050 the world population is expected to reach 9.7 billion, which increases the demand for beef production. Urbanization continues to decrease available cropland, resulting in a need for innovative technologies to produce livestock feed. Controlled environment vertical farming systems are an alternative technology that can be used to produce feed. This research assesses the effects of including sprouted grains grown in this type of system in the ration of backgrounding steers. A total of 60 commercial Angus steers (328.24 ± 6.48 kg) were each stratified into one of four treatment groups (n = 15). A typical ration for the region served as the control and treatment groups had a 5%, 10%, or 20% (DM) inclusion of sprouted barley. Rumen fluid was collected on days 0, 30, and 60 of the trial and analyzed for pH and volatile fatty acids (VFA). Data were analyzed using the PROC MIXED procedure of SAS where day was analyzed as a repeated measure to assess the effects of treatment x day, treatment and day. VFA are presented as a percentage of the total VFA analyzed. There was a treatment x day effect (P = 0.006) on rumen pH where steers getting 5 or 20% sprouted barley had a lower rumen pH at days 30 and 60 than the other two treatment groups. However, it is important to note that all rumen pH values were at healthy levels. Additionally, there was a treatment x day effect (P = 0.01) for total VFA where all values were consistent at days 0 and 30 and then steers receiving 5 or 20% sprouted barley decreased compared with the other two treatments. A treatment x day effect (P = 0.0005) was also observed for acetic acid and demonstrated that on day 30 values decreased from day 0, but steers receiving 5 or 10% sprouted barley decreased most drastically, but at day 60 those receiving 10% sprouted barley was less than the other groups. Propionic acid was also altered by treatmentx day (P = 0.008) such that levels increased from day 0 to day 30 in all groups except those receiving 20% sprouted barley, and then a decrease was observed at day 60 in all treatments with steers receiving 5 or 20% sprouted barley having the least amounts. A treatmentx day effect (P = 0.05) was also seen for butyric acid and is described with an increase from day 0 to day 30 and then a slight decrease at day 60 with those receiving the 10% sprouted barley staying consistent from day 30 to day 60. These data demonstrate that including sprouted barley in the ration of backgrounding cattle has an effect on rumen pH and VFA production in the rumen, but all values stayed within an acceptable range.

PSIV-11 Effects of Sprouted Barley on Weights, Ribeye Area, Backfat in Growing Steers

Abstract As the climate of our world continues to change, alterations to traditional farming methods are necessary to adapt to the environment and available resources. Changes in weather and costs of feed, coupled with decreased availability of feed and labor necessitate alternative methods for livestock feed production. One alternative to traditional farming is the production of sprouted grains in controlled environment, vertical farming units. However, little research has been completed on how including these feeds in the ration of beef cattle impacts production. This research examined the effects of including sprouted barley in growing rations of steers relative to body weight gain, ribeye area (REA) and ribeye fat thickness (REFT). A group of 60 commercial Angus steer calves (328.24 ± 6.48 kg) were initially stratified by body weight into one of four different treatment groups (n = 15/group). The control group were fed a typical ration for the region and the three treatment groups were fed a ration that included barley sprouts at 5%, 10%, or 20% (DM). Steers were fed their treatment diets for 60 days and body weight and ultrasound images for REA and REFT were collected on days 0, 30, and 60. All data were analyzed using PROC MIXED procedure of SAS with day as a repeated measure to determine the main effect of treatment. Over time, REA, REFT, and body weight each increased (P < 0.05) in each treatment group. There were no differences (P > 0.10) in body weight or REFT due to treatment. REA tended (P = 0.09) to increase in steers receiving 20% sprouted barley compared with controlled steers, but no other differences (P > 0.10) were found in REA in other treatment groups. These data demonstrate that including sprouted barley in the ration at the levels analyzed has no negative effect on animal growth performance. Additional research needs to be conducted to determine whether there is an impact on other production parameters, such as economic viability.

Biofloc Application Using Aquaponics and Vertical Aquaculture Technology in Aquaculture: Review

Some aspects of traditional aquaculture have negative impacts on the aquatic environment, leading to pollution and disease outbreaks in farmed organisms. Biofloc technology (BFT) is a closed aquaculture system that utilizes specific microbial communities to remove ammonia emitted from aquaculture organisms or adds carbon to the aquaculture system to improve water quality. BFT has benefits, such as increasing production and improving water quality, and reducing disease spread and pollution, without the need for water exchange. However, there are disadvantages, such as rapid changes in water quality due to accumulation of dissolved nutrients and total suspended soils (TSS) and the requirement for expensive aeration equipment to maintain dissolved oxygen. BFT can be enhanced in value and efficiency by combining it with other aquaculture technologies, such as aquaponics and vertical aquaculture to overcome the disadvantages. The integration of biofloc with technologies from the fourth industrial revolution holds potential for further development, while aquaponics and vertical farming can eliminate geographical limitations and accelerate the urbanization of aquaculture. The integration of aquaponics and vertical aquaculture with BFT has potential for development, accelerating the urbanization of aquaculture and removing geographic limitations.

Utilization of Machine Learning Algorithms for Precision Agriculture: Enhancing Crop Selection

Agriculture stands as a crucial economic driver, playing a pivotal role in fostering economic progress. Understanding the dynamics of the agricultural system is imperative for ensuring food security. Even as technological strides like vertical farming emerge, conventional farming practices and beliefs continue to hold sway. This study delves into fundamental aspects such as soil composition, pH levels, humidity, and rainfall, employing a range of machine learning models including kernel naive Bayes, Gaussian naive Bayes, linear support vector machine (SVM), quadratic discriminant analysis, and quadratic SVM. The primary objective is to provide insightful crop recommendations to farmers. Accurate crop forecasting is paramount for optimizing agricultural methodologies and maintaining a consistent food supply. By leveraging historical weather trends, soil quality, and crop production data, machine learning algorithms proficiently anticipate crop yields. The outcomes of this investigation have the potential to refine crop management practices and reinforce food security measures.

The Skyscraper Crop Factory: A Potential Crop-Production System to Meet Rising Urban Food Demand

Vertical farming systems, such as sky farms, are a potential type of agricultural system for stable and effective food production. Here, we highlight the potential of the sky farm, denoted as the “skyscraper crop factory” (SCF), for cereal crop production and discuss some nascent technologies that would be applied in this production system. SCFs are ideal crop-production systems for increasing the effective arable area for crops and ensuring food security in times of crises that cause a shock in global trade. They can also provide food in urban areas to meet producers’ and consumers’ demands for the increased nutrition, taste, and safe production of cereal crops. Moreover, as their use can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, SCFs could be a sustainable addition to conventional agricultural crop production.

CFD analysis of airflow uniformity in a Shipping-Container vertical farm

This study focuses on optimizing airflow uniformity at canopy level in a container-sized vertical farm. Adequate air movement and uniform growth environment play a crucial role in crop production, as they significantly influence plant growth. In fully closed plant production systems, various issues such as tip-burn, low transpiration, and hindered photosynthesis can arise due to insufficient air circulation. To address these problems, four different air distribution systems were simulated using overall control or localized control techniques. A computational fluid dynamics analysis was conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed and iteratively improved designs. Key parameters, including air velocity, CV, as well as the percentage of probe points within or outside the recommended range were investigated to identify differences between designs. The results revealed that the localized control technique, where airflow was directed straight into the canopy along a layer length, was significantly better than providing additional airflow at the end of a shelf. Air inlets along the layer length provided optimal average air velocity (0.65 m/s) and moderate airflow uniformity (coefficient of variation = 33 %) in Case 3. However, the introduction of additional outlets resulted in significantly improved uniformity compared to a single outlet and showed the lowest coefficient of variation with only 10 % in Case 4. Optimal airflow uniformity through well-designed ventilation systems is crucial, and the findings of this study contribute to a vast pool of possible designs in container farms, guiding future advancements in optimizing environmental conditions.

Effect of ultraviolet and far-red LED light added to broad spectrum white LED on lettuce production in vertical farm

Effect of ultraviolet and far-red LED light added to broad spectrum white LED on lettuce production in vertical farm

IoT-enabled system for monitoring and controlling vertical farming operations

In this paper, we present an internet of things (IoT) powered solution that facilitates effortless monitoring and management of vertical farming operations. Our proposed approach employs cost-effective embedded microcontrollers and sensors to keep a tab on crucial parameters like soil moisture, air humidity, and temperature. The data acquired from these sensors can be accessed through a web page that is compatible with all web browsers and smart gadgets such as mobile phones and tablets. Furthermore, the IoT platform offers users the ability to regulate soil moisture and administer ultraviolet light to plants. The system can bring many benefits such as enabling real-time monitoring and control of environmental conditions, reducing energy consumption, improving scalability and flexibility, and contributing to the sustainable and efficient production of food.

First Report of Pectobacterium carotovorum and Pectobacterium aroidearum Causing Bacterial Soft Rot on Curly Dwarf Pak Choy (Brassica rapa var. Chinensis) in Malaysia.

Brassica rapa var. Chinensis (curly dwarf pak choy) is commonly grown in large-scale vertical farming aquaponic systems. In October 2022, soft rot symptoms and dark brown lesions were observed on B. rapa grown in a commercial aquaponic farm located in Perak, Malaysia. The infected stem appeared brown and water soaked. Severely infected plants produced creamy white ooze on the surface before collapsing entirely (Fig. 1A and B). Infected leaves displayed yellow-brown symptoms and eventually rotted (Fig. 1C); the healthy plants were symptomless (Fig. 1D). About 20 % of the 20,000 B. rapa plants on the farm exhibited symptoms. Ten randomly selected symptomatic plants, five with infected stems and five with infected leaves, were surface sterilized. Each tissue (1.0 cm2) was homogenized and suspended in a saline solution. The suspensions were then serially diluted and plated separately on Luria-Bertani agar. After a 16-h incubation period, stem tissue yielded 12 isolated colonies, while leaf tissue produced 8 colonies. These isolates were subjected to dereplication using RAPD-PCR (Krzewinski et al., 2001), revealing two distinct RAPD patterns. The cultures, named Pathogen Stem 2 (PS2, obtained from the stem) and Pathogen Leaf 2 (PL2, obtained from the leaf), were initially identified as Pectobacterium sp. through 16S rRNA sequence analysis (Frank et al., 2008) on the EzBioCloud 16S database (Yoon et al., 2017). Further identification of the Pectobacterium species was conducted using multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) of the icdA, mdh, proA, and mltD genes (Ma et al., 2007). The sequences were deposited in GenBank (OQ660180, OQ660181, and OR206482-OR206489). Based on MLSA phylogeny, PS2 and PL2 were identified as Pectobacterium carotovorum and Pectobacterium aroidearum, respectively (Fig. 2A). Anaerobic assays confirmed their facultative anaerobic nature, while Gram staining revealed Gram-negative, rod-shaped morphology consistent with Pectobacterium (Fig. 2B and C). For the re-inoculation study, one-month-old healthy B. rapa plants were used. PS2 was inoculated into petioles, while PL2 was inoculated into leaves separately (3 biological replicates × 3 leaves for each replicate) using the prick inoculation method (Wei et al., 2019). Sterile needles were used to prick the plant tissues, and 10 µL of bacterial suspensions (2.40×109 CFU/mL) in saline were inoculated onto the pricked spots. Negative control using sterile saline was included. The inoculated plants were maintained in a controlled growth chamber (25 ± 1°C, relative humidity 80 ± 5%). After 48 hpi, the petiole tissue inoculated with PS2 showed bacterial soft rot symptoms (Fig. 1F) and leaves inoculated with PL2 appeared dark brown around the wound (Fig. 1G), similar to the symptoms observed in the commercial farm (Fig. 1B, C); while control plants remained asymptomatic (Fig. 1E). Bacteria were re-isolated from the inoculated petiole and leaf tissue and their identities were confirmed by RAPD-PCR. The RAPD profiles of the bacteria reisolated from the petiole and leaf tissues were the same as those of PS2 and PL2 respectively (Fig. 1H). The pathogenicity of PS2 and PL2 was thus confirmed. To our knowledge, this is the first report of bacterial soft rot on B. rapa in aquaponic systems caused by P. carotovorum and P. aroidearum in Malaysia. The identification of these pathogens is crucial for the prevention of disease outbreaks and to develop an effective disease management strategy.

Analysis of Farm Work in a Vertical Farm

Background and objective: Farm work involves a range of postures depending on the type of work, and repeated farm work performed in an uncomfortable posture can cause serious functional disorders affecting the lower back, shoulders, joints, and muscles. For the physically disabled to participate in farm work, it is essential to analyze farm work based on their individual levels of physical ability. This study analyzed farm work in vertical smart farms to develop care farming services for the purpose of vocational rehabilitation of the physically handicapped.Methods: Farm work was analyzed through a field survey in a vertical farm located in P-si, Gyeonggi-do. Based on the analysis, major farm work was classified into duties and tasks.Results: Through a filed survey, farm work in a vertical farm was categorized into six duties, and all tasks were mainly performed within the same workplace. The six duties were analyzed as sowing, raising seedlings, transplanting, planting, harvesting (including sorting and packaging), and post-harvest cleaning, which were further classified into 28 tasks as sub-areas.Conclusion: The result of this farm work analysis in a vertical farm will provide useful basic data for the development of care farming services for the vocational rehabilitation of the physically handicapped.

Influence of Light Intensity and Photoperiod on the Growth and Phenol Contents of Hydroponic Basil in Vertical Farms

Influence of Light Intensity and Photoperiod on the Growth and Phenol Contents of Hydroponic Basil in Vertical Farms

Quantifying the Effect of Light Intensity Uniformity on the Crop Yield by Pea Microgreens Growth Experiments

Differences in individual plant growth are affected by the spatial variation of light intensity, reducing the homogeneity of microgreen crops. Identifying the tradeoffs between light uniformity and crop quality is challenging due to the confounding effect of nonuniform illuminance with other noise factors. This study presents the results of hydroponic pea (Pisum sativum, L.) growth experiments aimed at quantifying the effect of photon irradiance variations. By adjusting the power of LED luminaires, we established one uniformly illuminated zone and two non-uniformly illuminated zones. Germinated seeds with 6 cm-long radicles were transplanted to cultivation trays with known light intensity in predetermined positions. Plants were cut 12 days after the start of light treatment and measured for fresh weight and shoot height. Our findings revealed no significant difference between the crop yield on trays having the same average PPFD but different light uniformity. However, correlation analysis of individual measurement data showed that local PPFD differences explained 31% of the fresh weight variation, and the rest was attributed to noise in the germination and growth processes. We also discuss the implications of our findings for the design and optimization of vertical farms.

Application of light redirecting panels to improve sunlight utilization in multi-tiered vertical farming systems

Application of light redirecting panels to improve sunlight utilization in multi-tiered vertical farming systems

Comparative evaluation of minerals content of common green leafy vegetables consumed by the Asian populations in Singapore

Many green leafy vegetables (GLV) are native to Southeast Asia but information on their minerals content remains limited. Minerals content of 31 types of GLV, including 26 from conventional farming consumed by three ethnic groups in Singapore and five from indoor vertical farming, were studied using ICP OES. Mineral contents (mg/100 g fresh weight (FW)) of 26 GLV were diverse for the nine elements: Ca (6.55–394), K (163−771), Na (0.40–106), P (18.3–119), Mg (9.30–131), Cu (0.02–0.30), Fe (0.09–5.25), Mn (0.06–6.42), and Zn (0.10–3.60). GLV consumed by Malay and Indian ethnic groups contained significantly higher levels (p < 0.05) of microelements (Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn) and macroelements (Ca, K, Na, P, and Mg) than GLV consumed by Chinese ethnic group. GLV from indoor vertical farming contained significantly (p < 0.05) lower Fe (0.57 mg/100 g FW), Zn (0.21 mg/100 g FW), and Na (3.63 mg/100 g FW) than conventional farming (Fe: 0.87, Zn: 0.47, Na: 18.0 mg/100 g FW). Overall, these data will be useful to identify promising sources of GLV for improved dietary minerals intake, nutritional education and agricultural research in the region for better health outcomes.

Vertical Farm: from Agriculture to a New City Architecture

The paper deals with the architectural theme of high-rise construction by cross-referencing it with that of soilless agriculture, recognizing new typologies and critically identifying the strengths and weaknesses of a new relationship between architecture, city and agriculture. From a disciplinary point of view, the text is organized in four distinct topics. The first part deals with height construction from a theoretical and disciplinary point of view. An excursus identifies in the high-rise buildings a human archetype that today defines certain features of architecture and landscapes in the age of globalization. The second part delves into the subject of soilless agriculture in terms of agronomic technique, with the aim of understanding its origin, efficiency and potential, but also its limits and weaknesses. The analysis is carried out by investigating the production factors at play, such as land, labor and capital, in relation to the revolutions that have characterized the agricultural production sector since the 16th century. The third part analyses three different cases of vertical farms from an architectural perspective because they are alternative to each other and paradigmatic. The skyscraper model is transformed. Agricultural activity, housing models and aggregated urban functions give rise to complex buildings. The first case is Richard Rogers' 2015 Skyfarm, the second is Carlo Ratti's Jian Mu Tower designed in Shenzen in 2021, the third example is Chris Precht's 2019 Farmhouse. The last part addresses a broader picture: food, cities, social justice, but also urban regeneration, recovery and recycling. Vertical farms are observed from an urban planning angle and considered as a useful element for guiding development and growth in cities and rewriting the relationship between architecture and the countryside. An opportunity to reinvent the multifunctional tall building, open to new ways of living and to redefine the design of the city

Economic impacts and mitigation strategies of African Swine Fever in China: a systematic review

Abstract Background African Swine Fever (ASF) and food safety issues present significant challenges to the global food industry. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) notes that food safety issues can result in economic losses in the food industry. The impact of ASF has been particularly harsh, affecting over half of China's provinces. However, few study has examined its specific economic impact on China. This study aims to explore ASF's economic impacts from 2018 to 2022 and analyze existing mitigation strategies in China. Methods This study used a systematic review methodology to synthesize journal articles published in English between 2018 and 2022 from four databases (Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase). Journals are included in the study if they discuss the economic impact of ASF in China or provide strategies for mitigation. Results Our search yielded 49 results, with 11 papers included in the final review. On average, ASF causes about 108 billion losses in 2018, and this figure is increasing to 127 billion in 2019. Current interventions are divided into three types: reforming food manufacturing companies (n = 5), promoting advanced agricultural techniques like vertical farming (n = 4), and adopting a new food supervision system (n = 2). Although these strategies have provided relief, the effectiveness of these strategies remain to be investigated in the future. Conclusions ASF's economic loss is substantial and increasing. The study concludes three main strategies for addressing food safety concerns: reforming food manufacturing companies, promoting advanced agricultural techniques like vertical farming, and adopting a new food supervision system. However, future studies should focus on the effectiveness analysis regarding these strategies. Key messages • This study highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to address global food safety issues. • Implementing the proposed strategies can promote a healthier and more sustainable food system.

Impact of Smart City Initiatives on Urban Planning Strategies in Singapore: An In-Depth Analysis of Technology-Driven Solutions and Their Influence on Sustainable Development and Quality of Life

The article examined the multifaceted impact of smart city initiatives on urban planning strategies in Singapore, focusing specifically on how technology-driven solutions have influenced sustainable development and quality of life in the city-state. Drawing on data collected through case studies, interviews with urban planners, policymakers, and technology experts, as well as an extensive review of existing literature and policies, the research aimed to offer a comprehensive perspective on Singapore's journey towards becoming a Smart Nation. Significant findings revealed that the integration of technology into urban planning has led to transformative changes in multiple sectors including transportation, healthcare, and waste management. Investments in Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, data analytics platforms, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) have not only streamlined city operations but also substantially improved citizens' living conditions. For example, the study found that smart mobility solutions reduced traffic congestion by 35%, enhancing the overall productivity of the city. The article also delved into the socio-economic dimensions of these smart city initiatives. It highlighted that while the technology has contributed to a 20% increase in energy efficiency and reduced carbon emissions by 15%, there were challenges regarding data privacy and the digital divide. Additionally, the study found that smart city initiatives have actively promoted sustainable development, evident through programs like water recycling and vertical farming. Such projects have not only increased local food production by 10% but also substantially reduced the city's reliance on imports, thereby enhancing its resilience to external shocks. The article concluded that Singapore's focus on technology-driven urban planning has significantly improved the sustainability and quality of life in the city-state. However, it also stressed the importance of ongoing measures to address data security concerns and bridge the digital divide. Keywords: Smart City Initiatives, Urban Planning Strategies, Technology-Driven Solutions, Sustainable Development, Quality of Life

Consumers' expectations and experiences of salad greens, herbs, and fruits from vertical farming: Comparison with organic produce

Vertical farming (VF) is a novel and high-tech production system for several types of edible plants. Currently, these are primarily salad greens and herbs, but scope exists to expand into a broader range of fruits and vegetables. VF attracts considerable attention because of its potential to contribute to a healthier and more sustainable global food supply. Past consumer research points to dominantly positive VF consumer attitudes. However, knowledge is lacking about VF-grown product expectations and experiences. The present research is situated in this gap and used a comparative research strategy – VF vs organic agriculture. Using online surveys, product knowledge and sensory product expectations were studied among consumers in three European countries. This confirmed past reports of low VF product experience and found sensory product expectations to be less positive than those for organic product variants. Across a range of salad greens, herbs, and fruits, consumers expected reduced flavour intensity and less freshness in VF-grown produce. In two taste tests with commercial samples conducted in Denmark (∼190 consumers), actual product experience was measured. The key finding was disconfirmation of negative sensory expectations. VF-grown produce was not systematically disliked compared with organic counterparts. Moreover, there were no instances of VF-grown produce being disliked by consumers, on average. An analysis of the sensory drivers of liking for salad greens and herbs revealed the importance of variety characteristic flavours. That is, if growing, say, basil, then it is important that the product has an identifiable ‘basil flavour.’ This holds for organic and VF-grown produce alike.

Are Vertical Farms Sustainable?

Are Vertical Farms Sustainable?