Vertical farming is a burgeoning form of aeroponics that is quickly becoming very popular thanks to its many, many benefits. Vertical agriculture can be done almost anywhere that there’s enough upwards space; high rises, small studio apartments, desktop herb gardens, or large, commercial sized greenhouses. The complete lack of soil means that there’s no risk of exhausting the nutrients found within. Working strictly in a sterile, indoor environment means that crops can be grown completely independent of the season or outside conditions. Additionally, harvesting food within city limits can massively cut down on food miles, and the amount of time and labor it takes to get food from “field” to plate.
Vertical aeroponics has all of the advantages of classic aeroponics: less space is required, less water is used, the risk of disease is minimized, and the plants are healthier and more prolific.
Plants must extend their roots far and wide in natural habitats in order to reach pockets of nutrients in the neighboring soil. Aeroponic plants, on the other hand, receive all the nutrients they require daily through misting. This implies that instead of extending out its roots, the plant may focus all its energy on producing fruit or flowers and prospering. Crops can grow quicker, bigger, and healthier because of aeroponics' high nutrient efficiency.
A lack of soil also means that disease is much less likely to occur in aeroponic plants, as pathogens and bacteria have no medium in which to take hold. High oxygen exposure and absorption is incredibly good for plant growth. Allowing the roots to have near constant exposure to the maximum amount of air possible is a fantastic way to promote large, healthy plants.
