Vertical Farming: An Overview on Different Types of Vertical Farming System

By 2050, the world population is estimated to reach 9 billion, putting enormous strain on existing natural resources and increasing demand for food, necessitating the intensification of agricultural output. Furthermore, due to increased consumer spending power and changing consumer preferences, such as the desire for organic or pollution-free food is on the rise.  

Moreover, the pollution and environmental degradation caused by traditional farming techniques are prompting academics and practitioners to develop more environmentally friendly farming approaches such as greenhouse/shade net farming, terrace farming, urban farming, and vertical farming. 

Vertical farming is one such approach, which has the potential to solve concerns such as environmental degradation and rising food demand by increasing food output. 

Different vertical farming methods are classified based on the type and processes used. There are three types of vertical farming systems: 

1) Despommier Skyscrapers  

2) Mixed Use Skyscrapers  

3) Stackable Shipping Containers 

1) Despommier Skyscrapers  

Dickson Despommier, a Columbia University microbiologist, says that existing farming techniques, which presently occupy 41% of the land of the planet would, not be able to provide the food demands of an exponentially growing population. As a result, he envisions skyscrapers with vertically stacked shelves where crops may be mass-produced in confined and regulated conditions that are not affected by the weather. 

As a result, skyscrapers may be constructed in any location, regardless of agronomic constraints. Vertical farming, according to one school of thought, consumes less energy and produces less pollution than traditional agricultural methods because it can be combined with renewable energy technologies. Solar panels, wind turbines, and hydroelectric power may all be utilized to meet the energy needs of these structures, either alone or in combination. Because area citizens may work in these vertical farms to make a living, vertical farming has the potential to create a lot of jobs. 

2) Mixed Use Skyscrapers  

Ken Yeang, an architect, is the creator of these skyscrapers. Traditional agricultural practices are combined with the vertical farming idea in these skyscrapers. Rather than growing crops in a highly regulated and enclosed environment, crops are grown in natural sunlight, such as the upper floors of an office building that gets the most sunlight, in such skyscrapers. Mixed-Use Skyscrapers have a benefit over Despommier Skyscrapers in that they require a less original cost. Despommier Skyscrapers, on the other hand, require the whole environment within the structure to be regulated and monitored as per the requirements of the crop. 

3) Stackable Shipping Containers  

Shipping containers are used to cultivate lush green vegetables, luxury mushrooms, and berries in this vertical farming system. In metropolitan areas, these stacked repurposed shipping containers might be employed. 

Shipping containers are equipped with hydroponic components, Led bulbs, temperature control heating and ventilation systems, and detectors to monitor the environmental condition within the containers by companies.