Techniques used in Vertical Farming
A variety of techniques are used in vertical farming. The three most commonly used techniques are mentioned below.
1. Hydroponics
Hydroponics is a technique in which plants are grown without soil. Instead of soil, water rich in nutrients and minerals is directly added to the roots of plants. This results in lesser use of water and faster growth of plants due to the direct delivery of nutrients to the plants.
Read: Hydroponics Farming
2. Aeroponics
Aeroponics is a technique in which plants are grown without soil and water. Plants are suspended in air that contains mist. This mist contains nutrients and minerals which is directly absorbed by the roots of plants. This results in even lesser use of water and faster growth of plants due to the direct delivery of nutrients to the plants.
Examples of Aeroponics
- Greens with leaves: Kale, spinach, and lettuce.
- Herbs: cilantro, mint, and basil.
- Other plants: cucumbers, tomatoes, strawberries, and marijuana.
Read: Aeroponics Farming
3. Aquaponics
Aquaponics is a technique which combines hydroponics with aquaculture or fish farming. In this method, the fish waste proves to be a source of nutrients for the plants and the plants in turn filter the water for the fish. This method therefore does not use artificial fertilisers and reduces water usage.
Vertical Farming
Vertical farming is when we grow crops on top of each other in layers. This kind of farming usually uses special methods to control the environment for the plants to grow well. Instead of soil, it often uses techniques like growing plants in water or air to make farming more efficient. It is usually done indoors in areas where temperature, light, water, and air can be controlled.
Vertical farming helps in maximizing crop production. It is still a relatively new concept in India. Vertical farming is the growing of crops in vertical layers or surfaces. It is an alternative to the traditional horizontal farming practices. It is also known as indoor farming because crops are grown indoors in warehouses or greenhouses in this type of farming.
In this article, we will learn about vertical farming, its history, advantages, and challenges. We will also explore the techniques used in vertical farming like hydroponics, aeroponics, and aquaponics.
Table of Content
- What is Vertical Farming?
- History of Vertical Farming
- Techniques used in Vertical Farming
- Crops suitable for Vertical Farming
- Advantages of Vertical Farming
- Challenges to Vertical Farming
- Initiatives of Vertical Farming in India
- Future of Vertical Farming