About this Research Topic
Agrifood systems are currently under pressure to address harsh challenges such as rising global populations, climate change, and the depletion of critical natural resources, exacerbated by the impacts of pandemics and conflicts. With the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations highlighting a need for a 70% increase in sustainable food production by mid-century, the urgency to innovate within these systems is palpable. Food security, nutritional quality, and sustainable agricultural practices stand as pillars in the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, elucidating the essential role robust, adaptable food systems play in global health and stability.
This Research Topic aims to harness groundbreaking research and development efforts to overcome the key challenges presented in modern agriculture through indoor vertical farming. Focused on advancing crop adaptation, enhancing nutrient efficiency, and optimizing economic viability, it explores the potential to meet global food demands sustainably. Vertical farming offers substantial benefits, including minimizing reliance on arable land, reducing pesticide use, conserving water and space, and providing controlled conditions that offset the adverse effects of climate change. Moreover, these farms can be automated and scaled commercially to elevate productivity and profitability while supporting the biofortification of crops, contributing to enhanced nutritional outcomes.
While vertical farming heralds remarkable advantages, its adoption is not without challenges. Integrating vertical farms within existing agricultural frameworks raises biological and economic viability issues, such as the unique biological needs of certain crops and substantial initial investments in infrastructure and maintenance.
To gather further insights within these operational and developmental dynamics, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Crop adaptation to vertical farming environments
• Implementing advanced nutrient systems in hydroponic and aeroponic setups
• Investigating crop-specific biology and ecophysiology
• Strategies for integrating vertical farms with renewable energy sources and precision agriculture
• Assessing economic models for operational efficiency and scalability
These inquiries aim to refine understanding and implementation of vertical farming systems, paving the way for a sustainable and resilient food future.
This Research Topic aims to harness groundbreaking research and development efforts to overcome the key challenges presented in modern agriculture through indoor vertical farming. Focused on advancing crop adaptation, enhancing nutrient efficiency, and optimizing economic viability, it explores the potential to meet global food demands sustainably. Vertical farming offers substantial benefits, including minimizing reliance on arable land, reducing pesticide use, conserving water and space, and providing controlled conditions that offset the adverse effects of climate change. Moreover, these farms can be automated and scaled commercially to elevate productivity and profitability while supporting the biofortification of crops, contributing to enhanced nutritional outcomes.
While vertical farming heralds remarkable advantages, its adoption is not without challenges. Integrating vertical farms within existing agricultural frameworks raises biological and economic viability issues, such as the unique biological needs of certain crops and substantial initial investments in infrastructure and maintenance.
To gather further insights within these operational and developmental dynamics, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Crop adaptation to vertical farming environments
• Implementing advanced nutrient systems in hydroponic and aeroponic setups
• Investigating crop-specific biology and ecophysiology
• Strategies for integrating vertical farms with renewable energy sources and precision agriculture
• Assessing economic models for operational efficiency and scalability
These inquiries aim to refine understanding and implementation of vertical farming systems, paving the way for a sustainable and resilient food future.
Keywords: Urban Agriculture, Indoor Farming, Soilless Cultivation, Hydroponics, Artificial Lighting, Plant Development, Climate Control, Food Quality, Food Security, Sustainable Food Systems
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
