Our planet's population is expected to reach at least 9 billion by 2050. Alternate forms of production will be necessary to feed everyone. In some ways, we might not have the luxury of choosing forms of food production. Safe to say, it has to be different to what most of the world practices now because, at this rate, the world will deplete its natural resources.

Thanks to technological breakthroughs, farming and agricultural techniques have evolved. The traditional way of farming in the field with irrigation, using fertilisers, etc, is slowly giving way to new techniques. Indoor farming has gained popularity as people realise and feel the impact of global warming.

Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) and traditional greenhouses have taken off worldwide. People now have plenty of control over the types of crops to grow and can provide the necessary conditions. But CEA and greenhouses aren't the same. Let's find out how.

Basics of CEA

CEA is a technology-based approach to food production that leverages indoor systems and exterior growing structures. They're designed to facilitate optimal growing conditions for two main reasons - the crops remain healthy, and the risk of disease is reduced. It's also important to remember that, in a controlled environment, crops are safe from outdoor weather conditions.

Now, CEA includes greenhouses, but not the traditional kind that's become widespread over the decades. There's a lot more technology involved. There are also vertical farms, growth chambers, and indoor farms. These are spaces where everything can be tailored and controlled to suit the crops.

Here are the key components of CEA:

Control: The most basic benefit is the ability to control what's being grown. Disconnecting the space from the elements provides the best growing conditions. There's reliability and flexibility in growing what you need.

Improved yields: Crop yields can be improved in a controlled environment. Every plant has its preferred conditions. In a closed environment, conditions are optimised for faster and larger growth.

Diversity: Since Mother Nature doesn't have much of a say in CEA, crops that normally wouldn't grow in a particular region or season are now on the table.

Space: CEA facilitates the efficient use of space. In vertical farming, for example, crops are stacked on shelves. This way, multiple plants can be grown in a space where a single plant would usually be housed.

Minimal wastage: Traditional farming uses a lot of water. That's not the case with CEA. Run-off and drainage can be collected and reused. Hydroponic farming, for example, can save as much as 90% on water.

While CEA has a lot going for it, there are things to keep in mind:

Costs: Building a controlled indoor environment is more expensive than traditional farming. The former requires lighting, insulation, and specialised equipment. These add up to a hefty initial investment.

Energy use: The high level of control enjoyed in CEA has another cost - energy. Equipment like heat pumps, chillers, LED lights, and water management systems need plenty of energy. There's no depending on the elements.

Skilled personnel: CEA requires people with special scientific skills and knowledge. They need to know how to control plant growth and production using specialised equipment.

Traditional Greenhouses

The concept of greenhouse farming has its roots in Roman times. Early greenhouses weren't as advanced but served the same purpose - an optimal environment for plants.

Modern greenhouses, as we know them, entail cultivation within enclosed structures. They're typically glass or plastic, complemented by equipment and sensors to keep track of temperature and humidity. While they might sound similar to CEA, they aren't.

Here are the basics of traditional greenhouses:

More nature-based: The basic principle is the same - grow crops in an enclosed environment or space. However, traditional greenhouses rely on natural sunlight and are often soil-based.

Less expensive: Since the equipment used isn't as high-tech as those used in CEA, it's not as cost-intensive to set up and operate.

Horizontal, not vertical: All the crops are planted in one layer. The facility usually consists of walls and ceilings made of materials that let in sunlight. They're semi-controlled environments.

While traditional greenhouses have evolved, there are some inherent challenges here.

More space: They often require more space than CEA methods like vertical farming. The plants aren't stacked. Since they're laid out flat, building a greenhouse requires a lot of space.

Environmental impact: Are they good for the environment? Greenhouses use plastic and chemicals in construction and operation.

Market uncertainty: While these traditional greenhouses offer some versatility, their success is influenced by market demand and fluctuations in prices.

In many ways, the UAE, specifically Dubai, offers a glimpse into the future of farming with CEA. It's actually necessary since the climatic conditions aren't suitable for year-round cultivation of a diverse set of crops. With investments in agricultural research, the future of farming is technological.

At Smart Grow Farms, we're helping shape the conversation, provide expertise, and offer solutions on the different sustainable farming techniques that suit people's needs.