Gallery
The newly invented agroforestry and open vertical farms integrate vegetables, orchards and trees
with crops or livestock
to enhance biodiversity, conserve soil and water resources, and sequester carbon.
Agroforestry is a land management system combining trees or shrubs with agricultural crops
and/or livestock on the same
land. It is a sustainable land-use practice with many environmental, economic, and social
benefits.
Improved soil health: Trees and shrubs in agroforestry systems help improve soil health by
increasing soil organic
matter, reducing soil erosion, and improving soil structure, leading to increased crop yields
and improved soil
fertility.
Diversified income streams: Agroforestry systems can provide multiple sources of income, such as
from crop sales,
livestock sales, and timber or non-timber forest products and help to reduce economic risk and
improve household
incomes.
Biodiversity conservation: Agroforestry systems can help to support and conserve biodiversity by
providing a habitat for
a wide range of plant and animal species and is particularly important in areas where natural
habitats have been
degraded or destroyed.
Climate change mitigation: Trees and shrubs in agroforestry systems sequester carbon from the
atmosphere, which can help
to mitigate climate change. Additionally, agroforestry systems can reduce greenhouse gas
emissions by reducing the need
for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
Improved resilience: Agroforestry systems can enhance the stability of farming communities by
providing a diverse range
of crops and income streams and reducing the risk of crop failure due to weather events or pests
and diseases.
Agroforestry systems can take many forms, depending on local conditions and the landowner's
goals. Some standard
agroforestry practices include alley cropping, where rows of trees are planted in between crop
rows and where trees are
integrated into livestock grazing systems.
Greenhouse farming, also known as protected agriculture or controlled environment agriculture, has many advantages, such as increased crop yields, better crop quality, and year-round crop production. However, limited crop diversity is the main disadvantage or limitation of Green House farming. Greenhouse farming best suits high-value crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. This limits the diversity of crops grown in a greenhouse, disadvantaging farmers who want to produce a broader range of crops. The newly invented agroforestry and open vertical farm integrate vegetables, orchards, and trees with crops or livestock to enhance biodiversity and be financially viable to the farmers. In addition, the sunlight enhances the quality of vegetables and other herbs planted openly.
Open vertical farming, also known as vertical farming or vertical agriculture, involves growing
crops in vertically
stacked layers, often on the sides of buildings or in vertical structures. This approach to
agriculture can be more
sustainable and cost-effective than greenhouse farming.
The main advantage of open vertical farming is that it can use natural sunlight, which can
reduce energy costs
associated with artificial lighting in greenhouses. This approach also allows for more excellent
air circulation,
reducing the risk of disease and pests compared to enclosed greenhouse environments.
Additionally, open vertical farming
can provide more crop space than traditional greenhouse farming, which can be particularly
beneficial in urban areas
with limited land.
Another advantage of open vertical farming is that it can provide a more sustainable and
environmentally friendly
approach to agriculture. For example, this farming method can reduce water consumption compared
to traditional outdoor
farming, as water can be recycled and reused within the system. Additionally, vertical farming
can reduce the need for
pesticides and other chemicals used in traditional outdoor agriculture, as the closed
environment can help to prevent
the spread of pests and diseases.
Open vertical farming can be more sustainable and cost-effective than greenhouse farming,
particularly in urban areas
with limited space. However, it is essential to carefully consider the costs, infrastructure
requirements, and crop
limitations when deciding which approach to farming to adopt.
Open vertical farming can potentially provide plants with access to more sunlight and allow for
greater water efficiency
compared to traditional farming methods. In addition, the farm's vertical orientation can help
maximize exposure to
natural sunlight, which can be supplemented with artificial lighting. This can give plants a
consistent and controlled
light source for growth and productivity.
Open vertical farming can be designed to be highly efficient regarding water usage. For example,
recirculating water
systems can deliver water and nutrients directly to the plants, reducing the water needed
compared to traditional
irrigation methods. This can be especially beneficial in areas with limited water resources or
where water conservation
is a priority.
However, it is important to note that the amount of water and sunlight available will depend on
the specific design of
the vertical farm, as well as the location and climate.
Overall, open vertical farming can offer several advantages over traditional farming methods,
including greater control
over the growing environment, increased efficiency in resource usage, and the ability to produce
crops in urban areas or
other locations where space is limited.