We have often heard the word Controlled Environment Agriculture also known as CEA while speaking of Vertical Farming as an industry. Many times, we try to mix these two terms, but to our surprise they both stand tall, complementing each other.
In this blog, we will see how CEA helps the Vertical Farming Industry.
Just to recall, vertical farming is the practice of growing fresh fruits and vegetables using an artificial environment and is season-independent. It can be done anywhere, only the thing to keep in mind is that the setting in which it is supposed to be carried should be technically equipped.
Not only is this method space conserving but also helps more plants to grow per yield. According to the latest revelation, the world population as of 2024 is 8.1 Bn and is anticipated to cross 9.8 Bn by the end of 2050. This simply means more mouths to feed under the same or even fewer resources available than now.
To know more about how Vertical Farming is a sustainable alternative, you can read our blog - https://verticalfarmingshow.com/vertical-farming-in-sustainable-food-production.html.
Vertical growth increases crop output per square foot of utilised land since it conserves space. As a result, farmers can grow a lot more food on a given area of land. Finally, controlling the environmental factors that influence plant success and productivity can be accomplished by growing food indoors and utilising green technology when it is added to the CEA.
What CEA does is that it involves a range of agricultural practices where the environment is carefully controlled to optimise plant growth. It includes greenhouses, indoor farming and other methods where factors like temperature, humidity, light and nutrients are managed precisely.
Before discussing the crucial role of CEA in Vertical Farming, it is important to note that we understand what is involved in CEA - this will not only give us a better idea but also help us out in framing a better picture of the entire process.
1) Technology-based approach - Consider CEA as a technology-based approach in producing fresh produce, employing technologies, controlled environment and other aspects that we will discuss in the later part of the blog.
2) Optimally designed - CEA systems are best suited for urban spaces where agricultural land is scarcely available and the need to produce is on the rise. Hence, it has to be developed in such a way that it renders maximum results and is efficiently utilised. Most of the time we would find simple structures, such as shade and hoop houses, to greenhouses and vertical farms in a typical CEA set-up.
3) Gaining popularity - Regions like the Middle East are looking at CEA with great interest - the reason being its ability to produce in very harsh climates, using no soil and very little water.
Now, let us see what is the importance of CEA in the Vertical Farming Industry
1) Optimizing Plant Growth: CEA comprises various methods including the newly emerged Vertical Farming in which plants are grown in an artificial set-up. Similar to this, CEA too has full control of the environment and hence provides plants with the utmost optimal conditions needed for their true growth.
2) Maximimum Space Utilization: No doubt that CEA is becoming the agriculture industry's first choice and why is that so? Because as population pressure increases, CEA in vertical farming maximizes crop yield per square meter.
3) Resource Efficiency: Advanced lighting systems and climate control technologies reduce energy consumption coupled with hydroponics or aeroponics, which further consume significantly less water than traditional farming.
To read about hydroponics and aeroponics, you must read our blog. Link - https://verticalfarmingshow.com/hydroponics-in-vertical-farming.html Link https://verticalfarmingshow.com/aeroponics-in-vertical-farming.html
4) Innovative produce - Along with controlling the environment, CEA also has the power to control the quality of the fresh produce. Not just capable of producing year long, regardless of the season, it is an ideal for an urban set-up. Especially in the regions of the Middle East.
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5) Sustainable Practices: CEA promotes sustainable farming practices by reducing resource usage and environmental impact plus the an added benefit of it being prsent in places with less water, arable land and resources.
This is the reason why practices such as vertical farming and CEA are seen as no 1 agriculture sustainable practices in the Middle East. To know what are the region's development, read our blog here - Link - https://verticalfarmingshow.com/local-food-makes-global-impact.html
