Vertical Farming

This course explores the upcoming field of vertical farming viewed from multiple disciplines in a mixed classroom where students and professionals collaborate. Indoor growing of crops without sunlight is characterized based on knowledge of plant physiology climate control, technology, and business. The vertical farming industry prospects large benefits in terms of reduced land use, pesticide use, water use, nutrient use, and food transport. At the same time, the energy use of current vertical farms seems higher than greenhouses and profitability remains a challenge.
During this course, we will explore the benefits and challenges of vertical farming and apply concepts from physiology, technology, business, and sustainability in a vertical farming context. Starting from a broad oversight of the current state of vertical farming, we will zoom in on crop physiology, crop-environment relation, climate control, automation, business, and logistics. Lecturers from multiple research groups and universities will present novel academic insights. By working together with professionals and students from different backgrounds on case studies and panel discussions you will cross disciplines and university borders. At the end of this course, you will be able to apply academic concepts in a vertical farming context and you will understand the potential and challenges of vertical farming.

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:

• Understand the role of plant physiology, climate control, technology, and business in a vertical farm
• Discuss the environmental sustainability of vertical farming
• Discuss the profitability of vertical farming
• Develop solutions for problems in vertical farms based on an interdisciplinary approach

Assumed Knowledge:
Understanding plant science concepts related to light, photosynthesis, water relations, and nutrients is necessary to follow this course.