What Is Vertical Farming? Spotlight on Vertical Farms The World's Largest Vertical Farm Is Being Built In an Old Steel Mill Why Vertical Farming Could Be On The Verge Of A Revolution -- And What's Keeping It Down Vertical Farms Will Be Big, But For Whom? | Fast Company | Business + Innovation The Internet Of Things Meets Hydroponics: How To Grow A Better Vegetable | Fast Company | Business + Innovation So what are your thoughts on this? They obviously have very good pros and cons to them, so wondering if you think they have a viable future, or if it's going to be a dead end approach. What if instead of building these farm buildings right in the heart of the city, they use some of the farmland that's currently being underutilized? Or how about abandoned warehouse buildings that are currently rusting away? Or if they build them on a floating island near the city, so that valuable land space isn't taken up at all? I'm also wondering if using fuel cells here would be a viable option. While I don't think they're best used in cars for now, what about using them to power a building growing lots of plants? Don't need to worry about mpg or performance there, and you can then expand the hydrogen network out more easily if you build these in multiple cities scattered throughout the nation, in addition to using them to power fleets of trucks and buses. I'm not saying that vertical farming should replace traditional farms; just help supplement them. There obviously needs to be much more research, in addition to cost-benefit analysis done. But like with alternative fueled vehicles, this is a start.
Just some first thoughts here. Vertical farming should be easier to do 'organic' farming. Even an old, drafty building is a more controlled environment than an open field. This should mean better control in preventing pests and diseases, and control of them if they become a problem. It also means we can make the farmland that is needed. Reminds me of an old discussion on vegetarianism. Not all the farmland is suitable for growing crops directly consumable by humans. The soils in most fields have no problem growing pasture for meat animals. Growing vegetables, or maybe even grains, may require amendments(fertilizers, pH treatments, etc.) that would push the economic balance closer to vertical farmings favor. There is already commercial onsite fuel cells available that use onsite natural gas reformation. With heat cogen, they might be great for these farms. All depends on costs. Putting these farms in city, with FC power, and excess reformation for their needs, so that they also provide hydrogen to local refueling stations is an interesting idea. Any business using onsite FC power could do so. I think a fuel cell isn't that attractive in a city where traditional utilities are readily available. Those using fuel cells onsite now are doing so where electric prices are high and/or the grid isn't 100% reliable.
we have quite a bit in new england, great for year round fruits and vegetables. less water, fertilizer and pesticides. now they are mixing hydroponics with aquaculture and using the fish poop for fert. a good study would be energy use to keep buildings climate controlled vs energy to bring produce from around the world.
Vertical can be organic. Have you heard of Zipgrow Towers? ZipGrow towers | Vertical Farming Tech from Bright Agrotech Dr. Nate is probably the best source for info on nutrient and minerals for Aqua/hydroponic systems online. Youtube videos are very informative. Bright Agrotech - YouTube
