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What is a Vertical Farm?

Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov

A vertical farm is a large tower with multiple levels, each with soil and crops. Dickson Despommier, professor of environmental science at Columbia University, came up with the idea around the turn of the millennium as a solution to rising populations and shrinking availability of virgin farmland. His vertical farm design has 30 stories and is about the size of a city block. The high-rise design would allow the vertical farm to be located in the center of urban areas, eliminating transportation costs.

Despommier claims that 800 million hectares, or 8% of the total landmass of the earth, is currently committed to agriculture. Historically, 15% of this land has been ruined by poor farming practices. Many scientists forsee a food crisis this century unless steps are taken against it. "Horizontal" agriculture, as we may call it, is responsible for the spread of numerous diseases and parasites, such as influenza, rabies, yellow fever, dengue fever, malaria, trypanosomiasis, hookworm, and schistosomiasis, especially in the tropics. To protect the environment and minimize global disease vectors, Despommier suggests we go vertical with our farming operations.

Because a vertical farm would be a tightly controlled environment, high yields could be attained. In the protection of the indoors, continuous farming could occur under a diversity of climatological or ecological circumstances.

Horizontal agriculture is responsible for the spread of numerous diseases, such as malaria.
Horizontal agriculture is responsible for the spread of numerous diseases, such as malaria.

A vertical farm would need to be an independently functioning ecosystem, because it would be separated from the outside. Bugs would have to be kept out indefinitely, and plants would need adequate ventilation. Any rotting organic material would need to be recycled or cheaply disposed of. The more efficient the structure, the less maintenance required, and ultimately the greater return on investment for its owners. In the more distant future, the vertical farm could be entirely automated.

Horizontal agriculture is responsible for the spread of numerous diseases, such as influenza.
Horizontal agriculture is responsible for the spread of numerous diseases, such as influenza.

Indoor farming has been used before, primarily for low-size crops like herbs and tomatoes, but a vertical farm project would scale that up and allow the production of bigger crops such as wheat. One limitation would be the inability to grow livestock, unless it were highly customized for the indoor environment. In the long term, there is a strong incentive to move away from livestock due to the large amount of food required to feed an animal until it reaches a point at which it can be slaughtered profitably. With success, vertical farm techniques could also be applied to farming in space or on other planets. This idea is often heard in connection with the phrase "urban sustainability".

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a vertical farm?

A vertical farm is an innovative agricultural practice where crops are grown in stacked layers, often using soilless farming techniques like hydroponics, aeroponics, or aquaponics. This method maximizes space efficiency and can significantly reduce water usage by up to 70% compared to traditional farming, according to the Association for Vertical Farming.

Why are vertical farms important?

Vertical farms are crucial in addressing food security in urban areas where space is limited. They offer year-round crop production, reduce transportation costs and emissions by being closer to consumers, and use resources more efficiently. Vertical farming can produce up to 240 times more crops per square foot than conventional farms, as reported by a study in the journal "Agronomy for Sustainable Development".

Can vertical farms operate sustainably?

Yes, vertical farms can be highly sustainable. They often use renewable energy sources, recycle water, and minimize waste. By controlling the growing environment, they reduce the need for pesticides and herbicides. The closed-loop systems in vertical farms can save 95% of water compared to traditional farming, as noted by the National Association of Conservation Districts.

What types of crops are grown in vertical farms?

Vertical farms typically grow high-value, quick-turnover crops such as leafy greens, herbs, and some fruits like strawberries. These crops are well-suited for the controlled conditions of vertical farming. Advances in technology may soon allow for a wider variety of crops, including root vegetables and grains.

How does vertical farming impact the labor force?

Vertical farming can create new job opportunities in urban areas, ranging from plant scientists to systems engineers. While it may require less manual labor than traditional farming, the industry demands a workforce skilled in technology, agriculture, and sustainability practices. It's a growing field that combines agricultural knowledge with technological innovation.

Are vertical farms accessible to developing countries?

Vertical farming technology is becoming more accessible globally, including in developing countries. Organizations like the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations are exploring vertical farming as a solution to food scarcity and urbanization challenges. The initial investment can be high, but the long-term benefits of increased crop yields and resource conservation are significant.

Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov

Michael is a longtime AllThingsNature contributor who specializes in topics relating to paleontology, physics, biology, astronomy, chemistry, and futurism. In addition to being an avid blogger, Michael is particularly passionate about stem cell research, regenerative medicine, and life extension therapies. He has also worked for the Methuselah Foundation, the Singularity Institute for Artificial Intelligence, and the Lifeboat Foundation.

Learn more...
Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov

Michael is a longtime AllThingsNature contributor who specializes in topics relating to paleontology, physics, biology, astronomy, chemistry, and futurism. In addition to being an avid blogger, Michael is particularly passionate about stem cell research, regenerative medicine, and life extension therapies. He has also worked for the Methuselah Foundation, the Singularity Institute for Artificial Intelligence, and the Lifeboat Foundation.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon47021

I also think we can do some of this farming in a second type of open walled tower. With the new idea of hanging veggies/ herbs upside down, we could go up several floors. I wish i could post pics here. i have made up some great blue print ideas and trying to get some one to listen to my ideas, so far no luck.

anon47020

This is a great idea. i'm glad that minds think alike. You see i play RPG games, and i came up with this idea as well to combat food supplies with a growing population. If done correctly we could have a moon covered in Food towers that could then be sent back to earth. All the soil would be sent up there to farm with. So no chance of any moon contaminates getting involved.

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    • Horizontal agriculture is responsible for the spread of numerous diseases, such as malaria.
      By: Dmitry Knorre
      Horizontal agriculture is responsible for the spread of numerous diseases, such as malaria.
    • Horizontal agriculture is responsible for the spread of numerous diseases, such as influenza.
      By: David Stuart
      Horizontal agriculture is responsible for the spread of numerous diseases, such as influenza.