Vertical farming is leading the way in the transition to less land-dependent production systems. With advances in technology, people can now grow their produce indoors and at a much higher level of production per square foot. What's even better is that they can do so without being at the mercy of changing weather and climate.
Currently, the equipment needed to operate a vertical farm is more affordable. Information on what works when it comes to maximizing crop yields is also readily available. Both of these elements have made this form of farming more accessible. However, while the odds of successfully starting and operating a vertical farm are high, there are a few things you need to keep in mind as you begin your journey.
Your choice of lighting will affect your yields
Since you'll be growing plants indoors, they'll be entirely dependent on you for light. Therefore, in order for your plants to survive, you need to make sure they are getting the right light and in the right amounts. In general, too little light leads to lower yields. And when light is too bright or too intense, it tends to burn crops.
Once you've decided on the type of crop you want to grow in your vertical farm, you need to find the right type of light for your plants. There are many light and growing recipes for plants online and following these guides will increase your chances of success. When it comes to your lighting options, you should opt for high quality LED lights like those made by led ibond. These lights are affordable, have a lower risk of burning your crops and are adjustable. While it may be tempting to opt for cheaper vertical farm lighting options, LED farm lights offer the perfect balance of convenience, price and efficiency. The fact that they produce less heat than other lighting options also makes them easier and less expensive to use.
Controlling heat, humidity and airflow is important
No matter how efficient a lighting system is, it usually emits some amount of heat. Plants also tend to emit some heat as a natural consequence of their biological processes. When these factors are combined with the effect of ambient temperatures on an indoor farm, it is easy to see why installing climate control devices is critical to the success of an indoor vertical farm.
A simple way to control the heat in your farm is to create sufficient ventilation in the building. This will increase air circulation and go a long way toward reducing unnecessary heat in your farm. A good aerator can also help keep the temperature under control. And since heat also tends to lead to increased humidity, installing a device to control humidity in your operation will certainly help ensure that your plants have the best possible environment for higher yields.
Never overlook spacing requirements
One of the most important things to consider from the start is spacing on your farm. Keep in mind that while vertical trusses allow for more produce per square inch, that doesn't mean you can get away with cramming as many plants as possible into your farm. Plants need enough light, you need to be able to properly control the heat and humidity of the area, and you will also need to move between plants since you have to tend to them.
When plants are placed too close together, they prevent each other from receiving enough light. While some people compensate for this by investing in more powerful lights or placing the lights closer to the plants, this always leads to burned out plants. Poor spacing can also make it more difficult to control humidity and heat, as it restricts air circulation. Therefore, making sure your plants are properly spaced from the start of your farming adventure will help you avoid low yields or having to spend money on expensive renovations.