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VERTICAL FARMS
Alejandra Moncaleano Villarreal
University of Tolima
Agroindustrial Engineering
English
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VERTICAL FARMS
Vertical farms offer a number of benefits over other production practices. Benefits
associated with vertical farming production include higher yields, better crop quality,
lower water use, reduced fertilizer use, smaller production area required, and the
potential for year-round production almost anywhere. These systems can be quite cost
effective and have the potential to be part of environmental solutions if properly
designed and managed. However, it is very important to note that there are drawbacks
associated with vertical farming. First, these systems can be seen as "high risk". For
example, they consume a lot of energy and require a backup system in case of power
outages. Second, they require a high level of technical "know-how" to install, operate
and monitor, and can be costly to maintain. Finally, these systems may be more
susceptible to waterborne diseases or pests, which once they enter the system can spread
rapidly from plant to plant due to the interconnectedness of these systems.
On the other hand, nowadays, new production policies are being demanded from the
countryside, a reform that has been under discussion for many years, but apart from this,
nothing is offered to them, they are not taught the existence of more efficient systems
than the ones they currently have, the system that the government considers convenient
is imposed on them and they are sanctioned if it is not carried out, a government that
seems to ignore the current conditions of the countryside and that does not show concern
for the social security of its inhabitants. That is why, in order for this type of agriculture
to take place in Colombia, it is necessary to solve these factors that are a problem for its
realization. In addition, as we already know, a vertical farm is a high level expense. But
what would happen if public policies determined to invest in these systems to solve food
problems? Surely traditional agriculture would be reduced to its minimum expression
and small plots for commercial production would be at risk of disappearing.
On the other hand, of the components of vertical agriculture and the types of system, it is
very important to consider how the plants will be produced and what their needs are, for
example, if they will be produced inside a structure or in an open field or if they will be
produced inside a structure, also if there are adequate systems for their production or if
they need good air circulation, all this is important to know for the production of certain
foods. In vertical farming systems, a wide variety of plant species such as vegetables,
fruits, fine herbs and even flowering plants can be produced. Currently, the most
common cash crops produced in vertical farming include lettuce, kale, basil, chives,
mint and strawberries.
Today, about half of the world's habitable land is used for agriculture. Although the
expansion of this activity has increased food production to support a growing world
population, the environmental impacts are of concern. According to the most recent
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assessment report of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change,
the increased use of land for agriculture has contributed to an increase in greenhouse gas
emissions, the loss of natural ecosystems and a decrease in biodiversity. Furthermore,
agriculture currently accounts for 70% of total freshwater use worldwide. In this context,
vertical agriculture is presented as a solution to produce food in a more efficient and
sustainable way.
To conclude and emphasize a very important point, vertical farming consumes 95% less
water and uses 99% less land than traditional agriculture, while producing more crops.
In addition, thanks to the totally controlled environment in which vertical farming takes
place, the practice does not require the use of pesticides and herbicides, chemicals that
traditionally contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Finally, the ability to grow fruits
and vegetables locally minimizes the environmental impact of transporting food between
regions and countries.
