Vertical Farming

  Vertical farming is one of the farming method where in the suitable crops are grown in different layers one above another. It is generally cultivated using the soil less cultivation using cocopeat or by hydroponics method of cultivation. 

  It required huge amount of cost on providing the artificial light using LED/CFL bulbs for the crops photosynthesis. The amount of energy required to produce a meter square of vertical farming is far more than the actual sunlight required for photosynthesis in open field on soil in single layer. Hence, it is quite expensive. 

  The cost can be minimized by using the reasonably good materials for its construction and maintenance and by growing a high valued crop for different and diversified usage benefits of the crop under cultivation. 

For Ex: Crops such as Leafy vegetables like Broccoli, Chinese cabbage, Lettuce, Mint, Kale, Chard, Spinach, Herbs, etc. Some are using it for cultivation of the crops such as Turmeric and other high valued medicinal crops. Most of us are using it for the cultivation of different types of mushrooms, such as Button mushroom, Oyster mushroom, Milky Mushroom etc. Some one are trying it with tomatoes.

Location: The Vertical farming can be practiced in 

• Old houses, and old Steel mills, Huge chimunies

• House roof tops

• Ship containers.

  The production capacity can be a multiple of number of layers which are involved in the construction of the vertical farming. Generally it is more then 4-6.
  Most of the Vertical farming are grown for the main cause or purpose of developing the habit of farming among the youths around the area. The amount of knowledge and skill developed in this model construction and maintenance and growing and keeping it continued for long duration of time. Actually, the vertical farming cultivate the habit of good relationship with every levels of the organization which is operating it.
  Vertical farming cultivation requires artificial light source which in turn requires huge energy for its usage and there by increases the cost of production. So, the products under cultivation by vertical farming is bit costly.
  Generally, it requires about 6:1 ratio of energy to produce 1 unit area of produce.
So, to minimize the cost of production one can go with the slant or tilted layers farming practices. 

Conclusion:  Vertical farming advantages and disadvantages and its opportunities for growing under limited land if the cost of land is very high.