Vertical Farming

One approach to revolutionizing modern agriculture people often forget to consider is the idea of growing up instead of out. Vertical farming is an approach that utilizes vertical space, whether it be plants growing from the sides of buildings, vertical tower structures, or layered basins in shelving units.

Many vertical farming systems depend on similar ecosystem setups to that of hydroponics and sometimes aquaponics. These systems are most commonly layered basins (as pictured above) in which the circulation process can be achieved in an even more space-efficient environment. However, I will be exploring vertical farming setups in an area we have not discussed: aeroponics.

Aeroponics & Vertical Farming

Aeroponics, much like hydroponic farming, depends on alternative mediums than soil to deliver nutrients to the growing plants. Rather, a slight mist is given to the free-hanging, exposed roots of plants growing in these systems. Depending on the water pressure and design of the system, this can appear in many different forms.

Spraying the mist from underneath the root of the plants requires only a low water pressure system, and has its benefits in that it is desirably less expensive. As in the circulatory system seen above, a specified nutrient solution flows under the plants and is sprayed so that the roots receive the nutrients directly. In general, one major advantage of aeroponic systems is their increased supply of oxygen to the growing plants. This explains much of the enhanced growth patterns seen in the additional yield of aeroponic farms when compared to traditional farming methods.

Vertical aeroponic systems require a much higher psi to create a true mist, meaning the droplets hang in the air rather than are delivered through a light spray. True mist systems are similar to the design above. The main source of the nutrient solution lies underneath the tower where the plants grow. A stream of water is pumped up through the middle and, using a high-pressure water tank, converted to a mist that nourishes the plants’ roots as it falls back down to the main water supply (Bills).

One cautionary detail with these aeroponic systems is the constant need for this system to be working. In traditional farming, farmers layer the topsoil layer of the ground with a freshwater supply; the plants absorb what does not evaporate over the course of the day. In aeroponic farming, it is very different. Without continual exposure to this nutrient solution, the exposed roots will die very quickly. Therein arises issues both with the delicacy of such a system needing the solution to be precise at all times, as well as no motor functions to malfunction in the fine-mechanics of spray nozzles or pumps. One error in mechanics, nutrient delivery, humidity, acidity, etc. could cause the whole yield of the circulatory unit to fail.

In addition, aeroponic farming systems are heavily dependent on technology. Although the ability to control the growing environment allows for faster plant growth and efficient water usage, it takes a large amount of electricity to keep these systems running properly (Bills). The continual pumping of water and sometimes exposure to artificial growth light counteracts the otherwise environmentally-friendly nature of the system.

True Garden

True Garden is a successful aeroponic vertical farming business based out of the state of Arizona. To get a complete understanding of their system, you may find this video helpful, however, it is very similar to the growing towers described above.

A prime example of the ability of aeroponic farming to transform local farming industries, True Garden uses 95% less water in 90% less space than the surrounding traditional farms (Albright). They primarily grow vegetables from common sprouts of cabbage and tomatoes to herbs such as basil or stevia.

Their greenhouses are entirely operated by solar power and use natural light to raise their plants, making their business almost completely green in growing produce. Being the first vertical aeroponic food farm in the US with the technology capable to raise crops in a desert region, True Garden is able to provide produce to local businesses and families year-round.

Vertical Farming in Space?

NASA scientists have found it possible for these easily maintained and space-optimal systems, specifically those that are hydroponic, to be a potential food source in space. Looking at integrating hydroponic systems onto the International Space Station (ISS), many years of research prevailed to detail that it is indeed possible to grow plants on the satellite using a space-saving method with minimal water usage and even does so vertically for added benefits.

The success of these systems first showed in 2015, when NASA scientists were able to eat leafy greens harvested from space. Further research is being done to enhance spatial gardening using hydroponic and vertical systems, indicating that these alternative farming methods truly have the potential to revolutionize the future of agriculture.

Why bother?

Besides the obvious advantages of vertical farming that we have already covered (space, water usage, seasonal control, and higher plant yield), it should be considered that there are several other consequences, as well.

Because vertical farming is so versatile, it is largely performed on local levels or in urban areas. The closer proximity to the consumers of aeroponic and hydroponic plants means that less energy and fuel are being used to transport these plants from farm to table (Miller). Ultimately, vertical farming is helping to provide healthier, nutrient-rich crops raised in a pesticide-free environment with significantly reduced resource usage.

Where could it go wrong?

While we have covered vertical aeroponic farming’s technology dependency, the onset of manual pollination has been overlooked. Controlling the growth environment means that much of the usual pollination from insects cannot be conducted. This then requires the extensive work and funds required to pollinate plants manually instead of through natural means (Miller).

Additionally, like hydroponics, aeroponic and vertical farming cannot support large cash crop production for those plants such as wheat and corn. Vertical aeroponic farming is incapable of entirely changing the agriculture industry, and must make a change on a smaller scale.

Works Cited:

Albright, Lisa. “About Us.” True Garden, 21 Jan. 1970, https://truegarden.net/about/.

Barth, Brian. “How Does Aeroponics Work?” Modern Farmer, 19 Oct. 2018, https://modernfarmer.com/2018/07/how-does-aeroponics-work/.

Bills, Braden, et al. “Hydroponics: The Power of Water to Grow Food.” Science in the News, 4 Oct. 2019, https://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2019/hydroponics-the-power-of-water-to-grow-food/#:~:text=Aerospace%20plant%20physiologists%20at%20NASA,grown%20leafy%20vegetables%20in%202015.

Miller, Susan, et al. “Advantages and Disadvantages of Vertical Farming.” Conserve Energy Future, 26 Aug. 2020, https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/advantages-disadvantages-vertical-farming.php.