How does indoor farming work?
How does indoor farming work?
The UK is known for its cold weather, but recently it’s been unpredictability which has been problematic for our farmers: from heat waves causing drought to storms that wreck crops, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to predict what the next season will bring.
Although there are many, one of the biggest benefits of growing indoors is the ability to grow year round and avoid adverse weather conditions that waste food, time and money. So, how does indoor farming work? How can we use it to supplement outdoor growing?
Most different types of indoor growing can generally be referred to as controlled environment agriculture, or CEA. All forms of CEA attempt to mimic, or in many cases improve on, the outdoor conditions needed for growing specific crops.
LEDs
Most forms of CEA make use of LEDs to mimic the power of the sun, allowing plants to maximize photosynthesis. Even in greenhouse systems, LEDs can be used to extend the amount of light crops receive in a day or to combat the shorter days of winter. When using artificial light, growers have control over light intensity, so the amount and type of light certain crops receive can be regulated depending on how much they need. The colour spectrum can also be controlled. Growers often cut out the green spectrum of light as plants can’t absorb it, leaving only red and blue. This is why the light in indoor farms often appears pink.
Irrigation
As indoor systems don’t have access to natural rainfall, irrigation systems are necessary to keep plants hydrated. There are lots of different irrigation systems for CEA. The most common soil-less growing method is called hydroponics; this is where roots are submerged in a water and nutrient solution. At LettUs Grow we use aeroponics, where plant roots are suspended in a nutrient-dense mist - this gives plant roots better access to oxygen. Aquaponics is another option, which combines hydroponics with fish cultivation!
Greenhouse systems which use soil might utilise sprinklers, drip irrigation or hose watering systems, to name a few. The method chosen might depend on how much water crops need or the size of the greenhouse.
Fertigation
As well as water and light, plants need different nutrients in order to grow; the pH (how acid or alkaline it is) and EC (electrical conductivity) levels of soil also affect the growing conditions of crops. In CEA, growers can control the nutrient, pH and EC levels and tailor them to different plants. In soil-less systems these nutrients can be applied directly to the plant roots, rather than within the soil. This can often result in far greater growth rates and also reduces the need for fertilisers.
Environment
Growing indoors provides the grower full control over environmental aspects such as temperature, humidity and air flow speeds. Whereas outdoors you are battling the elements, every day provides ideal growing conditions in a controlled environment system. The nature of controlled environment agriculture also means that crops aren’t exposed to bugs and pests, so there is no need to use any pesticides or herbicides.
So, that’s how indoor farming works. But who does it work for?
Indoor farming can be beneficial for people, plants and the planet. It allows farmers to provide fresh, healthy produce to their local area 365 days of the year and can help to supplement outdoor growing by providing a reliable source of income. It diversifies our supply chains and boosts food security. It also has a long stream of environmental benefits, such using fewer resources such as land or water, removing the need for chemical pesticides and reducing the need to transport food across seas.
An indoor farm might be a great business option for the urban entrepreneur looking to sell crops to high-end restaurants and for the diversifying farmer who has empty barn space to utilise or is looking to supplement their seasonal growing.
If you’re interested in finding out more about how indoor farming could work for you, then get in touch with our business development team here.