Plant Factory: An Indoor Vertical Farming System for Efficient Quality Food Production

Description

Plant Factory: An Indoor Vertical Farming System for Efficient Quality Food Production provides information on a field that is helping to offset the threats that unusual weather and shortages of land and natural resources bring to the food supply. As alternative options are needed to ensure adequate and efficient production of food, this book represents the only available resource to take a practical approach to the planning, design, and implementation of plant factory (PF) practices to yield food crops. The PF systems described in this book are based on a plant production system with artificial (electric) lights and include case studies providing lessons learned and best practices from both industrial and crop specific programs. With insights into the economics as well as the science of PF programs, this book is ideal for those in academic as well as industrial settings. Provides full-scope insight on plant farm, from economics and planning to life-cycle assessment Presents state-of-the-art plant farm science, written by global leaders in plant farm advancements Includes case-study examples to provide real-world insights Review: The most complete guide I have read - This book is an absolute powerhouse for those wishing to open up an indoor hydro vertical operation. It goes into incredible detail for every single facet of such an undertaking, from the biochemistry of photosynthesis to the architectural layout of your warehouse/growing area. It's also clear that there are no ulterior commercial motives here, as they do not shy away from clearly stating that (ultra-expensive) LED systems do not offer any advantages over the much cheaper T5 fluorescents (with a specific light spectrum, of course). This, along with the works of Howard Resh will be all you need to have a firm grasp on hydroponic food production. And if you're still in doubt, read Dickson Despommier's "The Vertical Farm" for added inspiration. If I have to point out a single shortcoming it'd be that some of the sentences would have benefited from a native English-speaking editor. Everything is clear and no information is lost, but you can tell it was written by Japanese professionals. Again, not really a problem. Review: This is not an easy to read book full of generalities - This is not an easy to read book full of generalities. This is hard core science research that goes far beyond what a casual reader will understand. I would say it is at the post graduate level and is a warehouse full of valuable data.