Vertical farming is gaining fame for feeding the world. However, there are drawbacks. High initial costs are a major factor. Land prices in urban areas, where vertical farms are located, are expensive. However, costs can be minimized by using existing structures like shipping containers, old factories, and abandoned office buildings. Additionally, vertical farms could be built in barren land unsuited to conventional agriculture. Equipment costs also add pressure.
Limitations in Crop Variety
Another disadvantage is that vertical farming is currently limited to leafy greens and herbs – high value crops that are easy to grow and where most of the mass can be eaten.
Pest Management and Yield Efficiency
The absence of pests increases crop yields as plants can grow optimally without being harmed. Since vertical farming is usually done indoors, plant contamination by insects is reduced. If workers are careful not to bring in insects, the chances of insects entering a vertical farming system are almost zero.
Vertical farming produces more food per square yard than a conventional farm. One of the highest-yielding farms grows over 350 times more food per square yard. Since indoor vertical farms are sealed off from the outside, there are virtually no pests. As a result, there is no need for pesticides or herbicides. The food grown is healthier, safer, and certified organic.
Home Vertical Farming
Although you may not be able to construct a large vertical farm at home, there are ways to do small-scale vertical farming outdoors. The primary solutions are:
- Vertical growing towers
- Wall-mounted vertical gardens