Operations | Structure: Proponics

A few articles ago, I explored the pros and cons of hydroponics versus soil. The takeaway was that these kind of nurseries are fit for small plants. Many fruits and vegetables are small plants, some of which are vine plants, which will not take up much vertical space. When it comes to bigger plants, like trees, a bigger facility will be required to deliver a controlled system of fostering growth.

We have explored the ideas of hydroponics and aquaponics but new urban ideas are trending. One such idea is aeroponics. Another is reusing shipping containers to create a nursery for these small plants, where UV light is delivered to the plants for 24 hours.

Let's begin with aeroponics. Aeroponics is an innovative method of growing plants that eliminates the need for soil or an aggregate medium. Instead, plants are suspended in the air, allowing their roots to dangle freely. This is referred to as vertical farming. These roots are periodically misted with a nutrient-rich solution, ensuring they receive all the essential nutrients and water necessary for growth. One of the significant advantages of aeroponics is the increased oxygenation of the roots, which is higher compared to traditional soil-based or even hydroponic systems. This enhanced oxygenation promotes healthier roots and overall plant growth.

This method is highly efficient, often using less water and fewer nutrients than conventional farming techniques because the misting system delivers exactly what the plants need. The controlled environment provided by aeroponics can lead to faster growth rates and higher yields. Additionally, aeroponics systems can be set up vertically, making them an excellent solution for urban farming where space is limited.

Aeroponics is used in a variety of contexts, from commercial agriculture and research to home gardening. NASA has even experimented with aeroponics as a means of growing food in space. Overall, aeroponics represents a forward-thinking approach to agriculture, offering sustainable solutions and optimizing plant growth conditions. More details on this concept can be found at Agrotonomy.

So, vertical farming can be put in confined spaces. Yes, indeed. The beauty is in how they are stacked. I think creating farms in shipping container should be classified as compact farming rather than vertical farming, because of the efficient use of space.

What I find amazing about the compact farming, is the use of LED lights to mimick UV light from the sun. All my life I thought that plants need all the bright light and heat of the sun. Well, I've learnt from doing research that plants only need a spectrum of the light delivered from the sun. So, this is the reason most of the light used in these container farms is a purple light.

So, in order to help the decision-making we can look into the pros and cons of urban farming.

Urban farming using hydroponics and vertical farming within shipping containers has gained popularity due to its innovative approach to food production. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of this farming technology:

Advantages

Space Efficiency: Shipping containers can be stacked vertically, maximizing the use of limited urban space. This makes it possible to grow a significant amount of produce in small areas, such as city centers.
Controlled Environment: The closed environment of a shipping container allows for precise control over temperature, humidity, light, and nutrient levels. This leads to consistent and optimal growing conditions, independent of external weather and seasonal changes.
Water Efficiency: Hydroponic systems typically use 70-90% less water than traditional soil-based agriculture. Water in hydroponic systems is recirculated, reducing waste and making it a sustainable option for urban areas.
Reduced Transportation Costs and Emissions: Growing food closer to where it will be consumed reduces the need for long-distance transportation. This decreases transportation costs and the carbon footprint associated with food distribution.
Year-Round Production: Controlled environments enable year-round production, ensuring a steady supply of fresh produce regardless of the season.
Pest and Disease Control: The enclosed nature of shipping containers minimizes exposure to pests and diseases, reducing the need for pesticides and other chemicals.
Sustainability: Urban farming can contribute to local food security and reduce the urban heat island effect by integrating green spaces into city landscapes.

Disadvantages

High Initial Investment: Setting up a hydroponic vertical farming system in a shipping container requires a significant initial investment. Costs include the purchase of containers, installation of hydroponic systems, lighting, climate control equipment, and other infrastructure.
Energy Consumption: Maintaining a controlled environment, particularly through artificial lighting and climate control, can lead to high energy consumption. This can increase operational costs and may offset some of the environmental benefits if not powered by renewable energy sources.
Technical Expertise: Successful operation of hydroponic and vertical farming systems requires a certain level of technical knowledge and expertise. Farmers need to understand nutrient management, system maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Limited Crop Variety: While many leafy greens, herbs, and some vegetables grow well in hydroponic systems, certain crops (like root vegetables and large fruit-bearing plants) may not be as suitable or economically viable in these systems.
Scalability Challenges: Scaling up from a few shipping containers to a larger operation can be complex and may require additional infrastructure and investment.
Dependency on Technology: The reliance on technology means that system failures (e.g., power outages, equipment malfunctions) can have immediate and severe impacts on crop health and productivity.
Waste Management: Managing and disposing of nutrient solutions and other waste materials must be done carefully to avoid environmental contamination.

Despite these challenges, the benefits of urban farming using hydroponics and vertical farming within shipping containers make it a promising solution for sustainable and efficient urban agriculture.

Appendix

Burn Rate. When a business leader says that the "burn" in a particular industry is very high, they are likely referring to the "burn rate." The burn rate is a measure of how quickly a company is spending its capital, typically in the context of startups or businesses that are not yet profitable. A high burn rate means that the industry or the companies within it are spending a lot of money quickly, often due to high operational costs, aggressive growth strategies, or substantial investments in areas like research and development, marketing, or infrastructure.

In summary, a high burn rate indicates significant cash outflow, which can be a concern if not matched by revenue growth or adequate funding.

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Operations | Structure: Soil Management

One of the most important foundation component of agriculture is the soil. The soil has three main purpose: retain water for the plants, provide nutrients to the plant and give physical support to the plant. Soil contains many minerals in it that is vital for plant growth. Soils differ in different regions because it contains one type of mineral more than other soil in other regions. This kind of mineral can come from volcanic activity as well as weathering activity. Soil has layers (or horizons). At the very top, humus can be found which is rich in organic matter (usually decomposing plant and animal matter). As we go deeper below the surface, the soil particles become bigger until we hit rocks (the parent material of soils). Soil is made up of sand, silt and clay. All sand, silt and clay are not the same. Sand is bigger in (particle) size than silt and silt is bigger in (particle) size than clay. The perfect soil for agriculture is said to be 40% sand, 40% silt and 20% clay, which is...

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