The Future of Farming: Hydroponics and Underground Farming

Questions and Answers

decreasing available space on the planet

to clean and recirculate the water

to provide the necessary spectrum and intensity for plant growth

it provides a surface for the seeds to hold on to Signup and view all the answers

by 70% Signup and view all the answers

to trick the crops into thinking they're underground Signup and view all the answers

it recreates ideal environments for different crops Signup and view all the answers

it reduces the need for heating and cooling Signup and view all the answers

it provides a controlled environment for plant growth Signup and view all the answers

it is essential for plant growth Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Farming is a vital industry, and as available space on the planet decreases, the future of farming is a pressing concern.

Hydroponics is a method of growing plants where nutrients are added to water, which is then carried to the plant through a system.
At Growing Underground, a farm in Clapham, London, this method is used to grow crops 33 meters underground.
The farm uses recycled carpet as a substrate for the seeds to hold on to, and a filter system cleans and recirculates the water.

Since sunlight is not available underground, the farm uses LED lights to provide the necessary spectrum and intensity for plant growth.
The LEDs provide a specific spectrum, including blue, red, green, orange, and yellow, which is essential for plant growth.

Underground farming allows for controlled temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels, making it possible to recreate ideal environments for different crops.
This approach enables year-round growth, reducing water usage by 70% compared to open-field farming.
The closed environment also reduces the need for heating and cooling, making it a more efficient method of growing crops.

Seeds are sown on a matting and placed in a propagation tunnel, where they germinate in darkness, tricking the crops into thinking they're underground.
After germination, the plants are moved to the underground farm, where they're grown and eventually harvested.
The harvested produce is sold to local restaurants and shops within the M25, minimizing carbon footprint.

Hydroponics is a method of growing plants where nutrients are added to water, which is then carried to the plant through a system.
At Growing Underground, a farm in Clapham, London, hydroponics is used to grow crops 33 meters underground.
The farm uses recycled carpet as a substrate for the seeds to hold on to, and a filter system cleans and recirculates the water.

Since sunlight is not available underground, the farm uses LED lights to provide the necessary spectrum and intensity for plant growth.
The LEDs provide a specific spectrum, including blue, red, green, orange, and yellow, which is essential for plant growth.

Underground farming allows for controlled temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels, making it possible to recreate ideal environments for different crops.
Year-round growth is possible, reducing water usage by 70% compared to open-field farming.
The closed environment also reduces the need for heating and cooling, making it a more efficient method of growing crops.

Seeds are sown on a matting and placed in a propagation tunnel, where they germinate in darkness, tricking the crops into thinking they're underground.
After germination, the plants are moved to the underground farm, where they're grown and eventually harvested.
The harvested produce is sold to local restaurants and shops within the M25, minimizing carbon footprint.