Instant Insights: Vertical farming in horticulture [Paperback]

This specially curated collection features five reviews of current and key research on vertical farming in horticulture.

The first chapter describes and evaluates technologies and methods for growing edible plants indoors and presents a survey of selected commercial vertical farms currently operating that employ them.

The second chapter explores the benefits of plant factories with artificial lighting (PFALs). The chapter assesses resource consumption, costs and performance of current PFALs, as well as methods for reducing resource consumption and production costs.

The third chapter explores recent advances in the ornamentals industry, such as vertical propagation systems and LED technology, and how these can be implemented to meet the challenges of a changing marketplace and societal demands.

The fourth chapter describes the advantages and disadvantages of hydroponics, along with the equipment and substrates used, and also examines soilless/hydroponic growing systems for vegetables.

The final chapter describes the most recent innovation in hydroponic technologies for plant cultivation within cities and their adaptability to the urban fabric.

Chapter 1- Vertical farming systems for urban agriculture:Dickson Despommier, Columbia University, USA; 1 Introduction 2 The vertical farm: from inception to reality 3 Vertical farm technologies 4 Indoor lighting for growing crops in a controlled environment 5 Nutrients for hydroponics and aeroponics 6 Challenges 7 Future trends 8 Where to look for further information 9 References

Chapter taken from: Wiskerke, J. S. C. (ed.), Achieving sustainable urban agriculture, Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing, Cambridge, UK, 2020, (ISBN 978 1 78676 316 7)

Chapter 2- Towards sustainable plant factories with arl³.