Lessons from Vertical Farming Failures: The Importance of Information Sharing and Effective Lighting Strategies
3 min read
Over the past five years, many vertical farms have struggled and ultimately failed. A common thread among these stories is the lack of information sharing between operators and limited collaboration with experienced growers. While technology and automation play crucial roles in vertical farming, the quality and credibility of growing practices are just as essential. Vertical farms, like any business, must ensure that their operations are supported by effective lighting solutions that deliver high yields, quality crops, and energy efficiency.
The Value of Information Sharing
One significant takeaway from successful greenhouse operations is their culture of information sharing among growers. Greenhouse communities frequently exchange knowledge and provide recommendations for growing specific crops, whether strawberries, tomatoes, leafy greens, or herbs. This collaborative approach helps growers learn from each other and avoid mistakes that others have already encountered.
Vertical farms can greatly benefit from adopting this practice. By fostering a network where operators openly share insights and lessons learned, newcomers can steer clear of common pitfalls and make more informed decisions. Establishing these networks or participating in existing grower communities can bolster the collective knowledge base and improve the overall success rate of vertical farm ventures.
Evaluating Yield and Lighting Efficiency
Both vertical farms and greenhouses need to carefully evaluate the expected or measured yield from their lighting solutions. Conducting small-scale or representative trials can be an effective way to assess potential outcomes before committing to larger-scale implementation. These trials help growers understand not just the quantitative yield but also the qualitative aspects of plant growth. Additionally, factors such as the lifetime, quality, and reliability of lighting products should be key considerations in decision-making.
By prioritizing these factors, growers can optimize their lighting investment and ensure that it supports sustainable and profitable operations. High-quality lighting solutions that are energy-efficient and reliable contribute to consistent crop growth and reduced operational costs.
Smart Lighting and Technological Integration
One of the most promising areas of overlap between greenhouses and vertical farms is the adoption of smart lighting systems. These systems are designed to optimize key parameters such as the daily light integral (DLI), light intensity, and photoperiod. Vertical farms, often known for their advanced technological setups, can lead the way in integrating smart lighting solutions. Greenhouses, too, are increasingly incorporating sophisticated control systems, sensors, and optimization tools to enhance their operations.
By leveraging smart lighting, growers can precisely control the light environment to meet the specific needs of their crops. This ensures that plants receive the optimal amount of light each day, which promotes healthier growth and maximizes yields. The use of sensors and automated control systems can further enhance efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
Insights from Our Experience
At Valoya, we have conducted close to 700 trials to identify the most effective light spectra and intensities for various plant growth scenarios. This extensive research allows us to recommend not only the optimal DLI and light intensity for different crops but also targeted light spectra tailored to elicit desired growth responses. These insights empower growers to make informed decisions about their lighting solutions, aligning with their crop quality and yield goals.
Conclusion
The path to successful vertical farming involves more than just cutting-edge technology and automation. Collaborative information sharing and strategic, data-driven lighting decisions are key to creating a thriving operation. By learning from greenhouse practices and adopting smart lighting systems, vertical farms can enhance their growth environments and ensure better outcomes.
Vertical farms should strive to build a community of shared knowledge and continuously leverage advances in lighting technology to improve crop yields, efficiency, and sustainability.
