Description

Vertical Farming: The Future of Agriculture covers innovative techniques like hydroponics and automation to lay out the fundamentals of vertical farming which marks a shift away from traditional farming methos. Vertical Farming is not just a theoretical exploration; it provides practical insights and actionable strategies that can be implemented to transform urban agriculture, making it more resilient and sustainable. It instructs on how vertical farming practices can meet the demands of an ever-growing urban population while mitigating the adverse effects of climate change on agriculture. This book tackles the concept and historical roots of vertical farming. It provides actionable, real-world strategies and insights to highlight the advantages of this innovative form of farming within populated urban areas experiencing food insecurity. Essential topics such as space optimization, reduced resource usage, consistent crop yield, and energy efficiency are covered in depth. The first few chapters introduce the foundational concepts and historical context of vertical farming. Following this, the book describes the technical equipment used in vertical farming systems and various hydroponic methods. Lastly, it covers practical applications, including crop selection, nursery raising, planting, care, management, and marketing. Vertical Farming is an essential resource for upper-level undergraduate students in agriculture, environmental science, urban planning, and related disciplines. It is also invaluable for researchers and professionals in sustainable agriculture, urban farming, environmental consulting, and food security. This edition contains data sets, an image bank, comprehensive case studies and worked examples as additional resources for students and instructors.