Future of Crop Production: Artificial Environments Can Double the Yield of Lettuce

The world is facing a food security challenge, as the population is expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, and the demand for food is projected to increase by 70%.

However, traditional farming methods may not be able to meet this demand, as they are limited by land, water, and climate constraints.

Moreover, conventional agriculture contributes to environmental problems such as soil erosion, water pollution, deforestation, and greenhouse gas emissions.

Therefore, there is a need for alternative and innovative ways of producing food that are more efficient, sustainable, and resilient.

One of these ways is using artificial methods of growing crops, which involve using technology to create optimal conditions for plant growth in controlled environments.

The advantages of artificial methods of growing crops

(Photo : CHAIDEER MAHYUDDIN/AFP via Getty Images)

Artificial methods of growing crops include hydroponics, aeroponics, and vertical farming techniques. Hydroponics is a method of growing plants in nutrient-rich water without soil.

Aeroponics is a method of growing plants in mist or air without soil or water. Vertical farming is a method of growing plants in stacked layers indoors or outdoors. These methods have several advantages over traditional farming methods:

Increased yield:

Artificial methods of growing crops can produce higher yields than conventional agriculture. For example, a meta-analysis of 120 published papers found that artificial methods of growing lettuce produce twice the amount of the crop as traditional field-based methods2. The study also found that it was quicker to grow lettuce using artificial methods, with production rates 50% faster in summer periods and up to 300% faster in winter.

Reduced water usage:

Artificial methods of growing crops use significantly less water than conventional agriculture. This is because the water is recycled and reused, reducing the amount of water needed to grow crops. For example, hydroponics uses up to 90% less water than soil-based farming, and aeroponics uses up to 95% less water than hydroponics.

Reduced land usage:

Artificial methods of growing crops use less land than conventional agriculture. This is because they can grow crops in smaller spaces and in areas that are unsuitable for traditional farming, such as urban areas, deserts, or mountains. For example, vertical farming can produce up to 100 times more food per unit area than conventional farming.

Reduced pesticide usage:

Artificial methods of growing crops reduce the need for pesticides. This is because they can prevent pests and diseases from affecting the crops by creating a sterile and controlled environment. This can also improve the quality and safety of the food.

Also Read: Best Crops to Grow in Large Greenhouses

The challenges and solutions of artificial methods of growing crops

While artificial methods of growing crops have many benefits, they also face some challenges that need to be addressed:

High initial costs:

Setting up an artificial farming system can be expensive. This can be a barrier for small-scale farmers or developing countries who may not have the resources or access to this technology. However, this challenge can be overcome by providing subsidies, loans, or grants to support the adoption and implementation of artificial farming systems.

High energy usage:

Artificial farming systems require energy to operate. This can lead to increased energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. However, this challenge can be overcome by using renewable energy sources, such as solar panels or wind turbines, to power artificial farming systems.

Lack of knowledge:

Artificial farming systems require specialized knowledge and skills to operate. This can be a barrier for farmers who may not have the necessary training or education. However, this challenge can be overcome by providing education and training programs to teach farmers how to use and maintain artificial farming systems.