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.
Table of Contents
1. Concept of Vertical Farming2. Technical Equipment in Vertical Farming Systems
3. Condition for Hydroponic Farm
4. Selection of Hydroponic Crop/Varieties
5. Nursery Raising and Planting
6. Care and Management
7. Harvest and Marketing
8. Aeroponics: Subset of Hydroponics
9. Current and Future Analysis
10. Vertical Farming and Environmental Quality
11. Economics of Vertical Farming
12. Crop Growth Status Monitoring
13. Sky Field: Vertical Farming Solutions
Authors
Latief Ahmad Scientist (Sr.Grade), Dryland Agricultural Research Station, Rangreth- Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Shalimar Kashmir J&K India.Dr. Latief is working as Scientist (Sr.Grade) at Dryland Agricultural Research Station, Rangreth- Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Shalimar Kashmir J&K India. He obtained his bachelor's degree in Agriculture from Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, CCS-SDS College, Aligarh and Master's and Doctoral Degree in Agronomy from School of Agriculture, Allahabad Agricultural Institute, Naini Allahabad U.P India. The author has published more than 105 research articles in peer-reviewed international and national journals He has authored 6 books, 18 book chapters and 21 extension bulletins. He has guided more than 12 students and attended more than 42 national and international conferences/Training programmes and is a life member of five scientific associations. He has received best research proposal award by SERB-DST. His areas of interest include Agrometeorology, Climate Change studies, Crop simulation modeling, Precision Farming, Water management and Crop Science.
Asim Biswas Professor, School of Environmental Science, University of Guelph, Canada.. Asim Biswas is Professor at the School of Environmental Science, University of Guelph, Canada. He is also an Adjunct Professor at the Department of Natural Resources Sciences, McGill University Canada, a Visiting Professor at Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics and Jiangsu University, China. His research program on sustainable soil management is focused on increasing the productivity and resilience of our land-based agri-food production systems in an environmentally sustainable way while accounting for changing climate, economy, and production methodologies. Currently, he runs a 21-member research team, funded by federal and provincial bodies as well as industries, grower's associations, and international organizations. He has authored and co-authored 113 peer-reviewed journal papers including 21 in review, 165 conference abstracts, 12 proceedings, 15 book chapters, 2 popular articles, edited a book, delivered radio and TV interviews, and granted a patent. He was invited to deliver keynote talks around the world and currently teaches multiple undergraduate, graduate, and special courses. Currently, he is an Associate Editor for 4 journals and a guest editor for another 4 journals. Iyla Mehraj Graduate Student, Faculty of Horticulture at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, India. Iyla Mehraj is a graduate student at the Faculty of Horticulture at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir. She has a track record of successfully handling difficult projects and creating comprehensive reports. Along with her academic interests, she actively contributes to thriving enterprises like "Noonley," which specializes in instant noonchai, a Kashmiri delicacy. Her competence spans multiple sectors, including algal biotechnology, climate change awareness, medicinal mushroom processing, and artificial intelligence, as indicated by her participation in related training programs.
