Indoor farming is a concept which is constantly evolving. Increase in demand for food and lack of agricultural space in the cities, enabled the idea to come to life. Unoccupied spaces like empty factories and warehouses are being used to grow greens. The greens are stacked one on top of the other. Indoor farming is also known as vertical farming. Vertical farming has also been adopted by various households in the cities.
Use of Hydroponics
The available spaces in the cities are compensated with patches of green using hydroponics. The plants are grown using a nutrient solution in a water solvent. LEDs or UV rays are used instead of sunlight in order to speed up the plant’s growth. The speed of growth supersedes the traditional method of farming. The plants’ growth is induced by the amount of sunlight not only during the day but also in accordance with the necessity of the growth process. The Hydroponics system contributes to conservation of water by allowing the water to be reused within the system of flow. Indoor farming also saves electricity.
Everything and anything can be grown with the help of vertical farming. Greens, edible flowers and herbs can be grown easily with Hydroponics. The process is cost effective because a bulk amount of food can be grown using indoor farming. Vegetables with roots if grown within the system of vertical farming, using LEDs, the same veggies will result in fast growth. For the sake of the correct amount of light, the LEDs can be turned upside down, which in turn gives off the right amount of light. No, the LEDs do not produce heat, thereby, not causing harm.
When it comes to growing organic seeds, fruits and vegetables, Vertical farming does not cause any threat to the authenticity of the organic type. Pesticides are not required because the probability of pests and insects attacking the produce is not possible. Fertilizers are also not used as the growth conditions remain static in indoor farming. Thus, the quality of freshly home-grown vegetables and plants remain unaffected.
Traditional farming has more occupational hazards than vertical farming. The exposure to chemicals, or use of heavy equipment might result to situations that might be harmful for the farmer in traditional farming.
Classification of Hydroponics System
There are six different types of Hydroponics system. The growth of certain vegetables and plants depend on their kind, and the amount of area devoted to their growth.
- Deep Water Culture:
This type of Hydroponics ensure that the roots of the plant receive adequate nutrients and oxygen. The roots are dipped in the nutrient solution and a diffuser or a stone is used to provide oxygen. This type of farming is good for the growth of plants with big roots. - Nutrient Film Technique:
This kind of technique is best suited for plants with small roots. The solution filled water is flown to different plants in different quantities through channels. These channels are a little sloped for the water to flow into it, unto the reservoir. Thus, the roots receive the require nutrients along the way.
Continuous scientific research is being conducted as the idea of Indoor farming is still new. In order to reduce energy and food wastage more emphasis is being given to Hydroponics for a sustainable farming.