In recent years, citizens have changed our eating habits and demand new formulas for it. To meet these demands, new forms of production have emerged. One of the last to appear is the vertical farming. What does it consist of? We tell you everything.
The importance of organic farming
Organic farming is more and more present in the day to day. And it is that different organizations are taking more and more steps to satisfy the demands of consumers and raise awareness about the environment. From the European Commission they have launched an action plan, which seeks that in the year 2030, at least 25% of the European agricultural area is organic farming.
Spain, taking into account the data for 2021, has more than two and a half million hectares of organic farming. These data place our country in the top positions in the EU, with an increase of 8% compared to the previous year. Also, if we take into account that this is going to get worse, new formulas are appearing to cultivate sustainably. One of the last to appear is the vertical farming.
What is vertical farming?
La vertical farming It is one of the new practices that is gaining a foothold due to its characteristics. It consists of plants being grown in vertically stacked structures. This method of horticulture seeks to maximize the use of space to produce more plants in the same place. For it to work, it must respect different factors.
Before starting to use this method, an essential first step must be taken. That is, the choice of crop. It must be taken into account that you can not harvest any plant, you have to respect the weight and growth. For this type of agriculture, the planting of strawberries, lettuce, cabbage or mint, for example, is recommended. For these to grow, you must choose a substrate that offers good drainage and nutrient retention.
The benefits of this type of cultivation
La vertical farming offers us many advantages. Its production method is full of benefits compared to other types of crops. Among these is the high yield and the best quality of the crop. And it is that the lower use of water and the reduction in the use of pesticides mean that all the products that are harvested obtain a plus in terms of flavor and permanence of all nutrients.
Since this type of cultivation requires a smaller production area, it is possible to harvest more than in traditional formulas. This translates into satisfying the increasingly high demands of consumers who seek to consume healthier products. This production system, which takes place throughout the year, they are very profitable for businessmen, if they are capable of taking advantage of it and not looking for shortcuts.
The disadvantages of vertical farming
Although, as we have verified, it seems that everything is an advantage, this is not entirely the case. This harvesting system consumes a lot of energy, so it is advisable to have an energy backup in case of cuts or failures. Another negative factor is that there is little specialization in the subject in the rural world. And it is that the vertical farming You need knowledge to install, operate and manage all the devices.
On the other hand, this system may be more susceptible to diseases transmitted by pests, since due to the non-existence of pesticides, they are more prone to these appearing quickly. That is why it is advisable to keep all irrigation systems and platforms where it is planted in good condition. A use of active ingredients, included in the substrates, can be beneficial to reduce the appearance of any bug or fungus.
As we have been able to verify, life habits are changing, so it is necessary to adapt to them and look for formulas that achieve deal with demands of consumers. Now that you know more, what do you think about these types of farming?