New technologies have recently transformed indoor farming, streamlining production and increasing efficiency. Japan and the Netherlands are two countries that have been implementing indoor farming practices for many years, with both of these looking to revolutionize the food industry with intelligent solutions.
Reducing our carbon footprint and helping the environment are crucial. Indoor farming allows us to use less water and space. It can also happen all year round, regardless of climate or weather, which makes it more efficient. This guide will explore the benefits of indoor farming and why it is much better for producing fresh fruit and vegetables than farming in outdoor areas. Continue reading to find out more.
Types of Indoor Farming
Vertical Farming
Stacking plants vertically uses less ground space, which is great for growing more crops and maximizing the efficiency of indoor farming. LED and artificial lighting that mimics the sun is essential for this method, as the stacking will limit natural sunlight from reaching the plants. These lights can be adjusted to achieve the perfect intensity for fresh produce growth.
This closer proximity means fresher produce and lower carbon emissions, which makes it an intelligent choice for the planet and our cities.
Hydroponic Farming
Hydroponic farming uses a nutrient-rich water solution instead of soil to maximize the speed and health of plant growth. This decreases the chances of pests and diseases affecting the farming process, as these can get into the soil and make plants grow poorly. The versatility of this form of farming is very high, as it can be implemented in large spaces or small urban corners.
This method also allows complete control over the growing conditions by adjusting the nutrients, pH levels, and water cycles. It gives farmers the power to grow more with less.
Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA)
Precision is the main aim of CEA farming. The focus is to control every aspect of the environment to benefit the plan’s exact needs and optimize growth. Temperature, humidity, light, and CO2 levels can all be managed to create a year-round perfect environment for indoor harvesting. Having a high-tech space for plants will improve the growth speed.
CEA makes food production more predictable and reliable, so farmers can identify the areas that will boost how well their produce can grow.
The Benefits of Indoor Farming
Space Effective
One of the biggest flaws of outdoor farming is its large land requirement, but indoor agriculture solves this issue. Growing crops on top of and inside structures frees up a lot of space for other uses. This approach is ideal for areas with limited land, like urban cities.
Produce All Year
Adverse weather conditions can get in the way of farming fresh produce, as overexposure to rain, hail, or snow can negatively affect growth. Indoor farms allow crops to be grown all year round, as it will avoid any poor weather. This optimizes plant growth, meaning farmers can get more out of their production and ship out their fruit and vegetables at an improved rate. It can also help stabilize food prices.
Highly Sustainable
Indoor farming can be more sustainable than outdoor farming. Resources are used wisely with farming in indoor spaces and is considered a green way to farm due to the following reasons:
- Minimal Water Use: Indoor farming saves water by using hydroponic systems. It can reduce water usage by up to 98% compared to traditional agriculture.
- Zero Soil Degradation: Topsoil is heavily affected by outdoor farming, while indoor farming avoids soil degradation. This can help save the soil for more natural habitats.
Low Transportation Costs
Growing produce in outdoor areas could mean you need a space away from primary transport links, as this is where the most available land will be. This can increase transportation costs. However, if you use indoor solutions, you can grow your produce closer to where people live, which will help lower transportation costs. Less time in transit keeps food tasting better, lasting longer, and making it better for the planet.
Healthier Production
Food production is a lot safer with indoor farming solutions. Produce has a higher chance of contamination from dangerous pesticides or pollutants, which makes your food cleaner and safer to consume. Even if there is a problem with the product, there can be a quicker recovery time for any safety issues.
Conclusion
Growing produce indoors ensures it is safer and healthier because the controlled environment can be tailored to each plant’s needs. Growing fresh produce indoors can improve food security, reduce transportation costs, and create a more sustainable food system. As such, indoor farming has a big future ahead of it.
If you’re struggling with creating an indoor farming space, use plant hire solutions to get the best machinery to help.