Vertical farming efficient with dynamic environ­mental control

Vertical farming, where crops are grown in layers, offers opportunities to produce food closer to consumers. With controlled environments, crops can even grow in extreme locations, such as deserts. However, this technique faces challenges, including high energy consumption. Research from Wageningen University & Research shows that a dynamic approach to environmental control can reduce energy consumption without sacrificing crop yield.

Smart use of lighting

Lighting is crucial for plant growth in vertical farms, but not all plants require the same light intensity at all times. Researchers suggest that a variable lighting plan, tailored to the specific growth stage of the plant, can result in significant energy savings. This can also help to manage fluctuations in energy prices by using more electricity when rates are lower.

Applications beyond vertical farming

The techniques currently being developed for vertical farming can also benefit traditional greenhouse agriculture. In greenhouses, where sustainable energy sources are increasingly used, dynamic environmental control can help manage the availability and cost of electricity. This allows greenhouses to take advantage of these technological advances as well.

The progress in these techniques is making vertical farming increasingly efficient and more likely to be adopted on a larger scale in the future.

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