Components of a Controlled Environment Agriculture

Vertical farming is based on controlled environment agriculture, in which cutting-edge technology is used to provide ideal growing conditions for any crop. Vertical farming is ready to reach new heights with the help of modern technologies such as AI, machine learning, and the Internet of Things.

FREMONT, CA: Vertical farming is a growingly popular cultivating crop inside a vertical environment. A vertical system is one in which crops are grown in controlled surroundings where every parameter affecting their growth is carefully monitored and adjusted to their specific requirements.

The most efficient way to describe vertical farming is first to understand the technologies that enable it.

Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA)

Controlled environment agriculture is crucial to vertical farming since it integrates multiple technologies to give plants the optimal environmental and growth conditions. Vertical farming can produce fresh, pest-free crops by utilizing a controlled environment system. Vertical farms insulate plants from their surrounding environment, and staff takes precautions to avoid pest infestations that could harm the crops. Although controlled environment systems are frequently linked with vertical agriculture, they can also be used in horizontal agriculture.

Smart sensors monitor technical variables like temperature, carbon dioxide, oxygen, lighting, humidity, nutrient content, pH, pest control, watering, and harvesting in vertical farms. Controlled settings are often comprised of hydroponic, aeroponic, or aquatic agriculture. Additionally, controlled environment agriculture can use advanced imaging and sensor technology, such as cameras and thermal imaging, to monitor plant growth, temperature, and other variables. Currently, controlled environment systems have been highly effective for growing leafy greens, herbs, microgreens, and vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, melons, and sweet corn.

Dosing systems

An automated dosing system is frequently used in vertical farming to feed fertilizers to the plants and check the nutrient solution. Automatic dosing systems continually monitor the reservoir's nutrient concentrations, pH and EC values, and water temperature. In most cases, the dosing system is connected to the nutrient source by peristaltic pumps that suction and dispense the needed nutrients into the reservoir.

Real-time pH and EC readings are taken from probes placed in the reservoir, and the dosing cycle is restarted as necessary. With an automated dosing system, growers may have greater control over the fertilizer solution without spending significant time adjusting the pH, EC, nutrients, and temperatures. Additionally, plants receive an exact amount of nutrients, which avoids plant shock or stunted growth, frequently resulting from unbalanced growing circumstances.

Sterilization Techniques

Sanitation is required to promote plant growth and ensure compliance with international food safety laws. Vertical farming employs stringent sanitation and disinfection procedures to ensure pesticide-free crops are produced all year. Sterilization can be achieved in various ways, but the most frequently utilized are chemical disinfection, ultraviolet-C sterilization, and ozone sanitation.

Chemical sanitization

Chemicals such as hypochlorite and hydrogen peroxide aid in sterilizing surfaces like floors, transport equipment, and harvesting clippers, which, if not cleaned properly, can readily spread disease from plant to plant.