The Evolution of Vertical Farming
Insight from Emmanuelle Beaurpere, originally published on March 18th, 2021.
The world relies on the agriculture industry to feed its growing population. However, farming is a leading contributor to climate change as it emits “an estimated 10.5 percent of total U.S. greenhouse gases…” Traditional farming practices consume significant amounts of water and land, often contributing heavily to pesticide and fertilizer runoff pollution. Runoff from farming can pollute local water sources and lead to deadly algal blooms. Fresh water is also becoming more scarce as, “agriculture consumes more water than any other source and wastes much of that through inefficiencies.” The excessive use of water has led to the degradation of freshwater ecosystems and an increase in widespread droughts. Rising sea levels and changes in weather patterns will affect agriculture, and as a result, food security. The world needs to identify sustainable farming methods quickly in order to decrease the effects on global warming and ensure the continued production of food. Many alternatives to traditional farming methods are already being implemented to support this effort, such as vertical farming.
Vertical farming entails growing crops in stacked layers in a controlled environment. The process is soilless, requires much less water, saves space, and protects crops from environmental factors like harsh weather and pests. The contained environment involves temperature control, LED lighting, and fertilizers. Various forms of vertical farming include aeroponics, aquaponics, and hydroponics. Aeroponics does not require roots to be submerged in water but are rather misted periodically with a mix of water and nutrients. It is the most water efficient method of vertical farming and very effective for growing greens, fruiting plants, and rooting crops. Vertical farms can be set up anywhere and do not require large stretches of land, like traditional farms. Additionally, by establishing vertical farming in cities, the emission output and cost of transporting produce to consumers is eliminated and food waste is reduced. The initial setup cost for aeroponics can be very high and require constant monitoring to ensure a stable contained environment. However, the water it can save farmers and the opportunities for growing in cities add a lot of value to this alternative method.
The biggest concerns associated with vertical farming are the high initial setup costs and the electricity needed to maintain a contained and effective environment for plant growth. Should the vertical farm be powered with only non-reusable energy, it would be doing more harm than good as the energy requirements are very high. As the world shifts towards renewable energy, the potential for sustaining large vertical farms is increasing significantly. With the development of artificial intelligence, the need for constant monitoring of vertical systems can be eliminated, saving significant amounts of overhead costs and time. Vertical farming and other sustainable alternatives to traditional farming are becoming more widespread and will be critical in the effort to combat climate change, water shortage, and food scarcity.
Sources:
https://www.icontainers.com/us/2020/03/30/united-arab-emirates-main-imports-and-exports/
https://www.worldwildlife.org/threats/water-scarcity
Emmanuelle Beaurpere is a senior from Tacoma, Washington. She is pursuing a dual major in International Business and Economics and International Affairs. At UNH she is a cadet in Army ROTC program and writes for The New Hampshire. Being an Army brat, she has lived and traveled extensively, is fluent in French, and hopes to continue studying Mandarin and Arabic.
