minute variations , to obtain a better crop . And it ’ s hoped that this more precise and less intrusive modification will suit consumers better . Because we can now access any given crop ’ s DNA means that a particular plant ’ s characteristics can be precisely selected before growth – the genome holds that information – which is an incredible advance that will save an enormous amount of time with regard to trial and error episodes . These improvements will cut costs , increase yields , and boost farmers ’ profits . And also benefit consumers through lower prices . Farming in this controlled way can both increase the volume of food production while reducing strain on the planet ’ s resources .
Vertical Farming Indoor horticulture is one of the fastest growing methods of crop production . Already controlled and precise in execution , vertical farming grows crops indoors without soil and sunlight , where they can be fully monitored and kept safe from harmful bacteria .
The development of specialised blue and red LED lights has led to a phenomenal change in the way we need to grow plants for food . Grown in racks 25 feet high , beneath specialised LED lights , and in a constant stream of nutrient-rich water , the plants are monitored by computer , and harvested as often as twice a week . This is incredible volume in a small footprint that is unencumbered by weather or pests .
LED lights provide optimal lighting for photosynthesis in leafy greens . The interesting thing is that when these plants are situated directly beneath these fine-tuned lights , they don ’ t grow upwards but outwards in dense leaves – saving growth time and optimising the nutrient quality . A micro-green crop can turn in roughly every 12 days , baby greens about every 30 days , and lettuces about every 35 days whereas field farmers get one or two chances a season to turn crops .
Key advantages include : � Fewer resources are required which makes these operations more sustainable .
� Without climate problems , there is opportunity for year-round growing seasons , using less water and fewer pesticides .
� This type of farming with its 24 hour working spectrum , lends itself to the possibility of using robots to monitor and carry out routine tasks .
� Because these indoor farms can be established on smaller pieces of land in greater number , the need for long-haul trucks diminishes , saving carbon footprint .
� It reduces the spoilage that occurs from trucking
By Valcenteu - Own work , CC BY-SA 3.0 , https :// commons . wikimedia . org / w / index . php ? curid = 9387472
perishable produce long distances . � It meets the growing demand for fresh produce among middle-class urban dwellers .
� If the world trend continues towards free markets , then these production advantages will hugely contribute to improving world hunger .
Saving our water- the future is here At Netafim we are dedicated to alleviating water shortage through constant technological innovation . So whether you are farming the traditional way or branching into new experiments , your crops will still need some form of water supply . Our wide variety of drip irrigation solutions are continuously tested against the challenges farmers face every day – and we help them plan for the future by working with whatever method they are exploring . Water , at its most economical use , is what we do . It ’ s our farreaching and highly successful contribution to the challenges of world food production .
Find out more about our products at : www . netafim . co . za