Month: January 2022

How Does Vertical Farming Work? Learn Why Up Is The Way To Go

How does vertical farming work? Is it any beneficial?

The most significant challenge to an indoor farming enterprise is space. The growing demand for cannabis products necessitates expansion. More room, like a domino effect, means expensive real estate leasing, higher utility, labor costs, as well as a plethora of other potential obstacles.

Vertical farming may hold the secret to limiting the growing expenses of expansion by maximizing space. This farming strategy allows you to maximize space without sacrificing quality or productivity.

Cannabis farming has seen slow technological progress, though it basically pioneered sunless cultivation. However, vertical growing companies are at the forefront of revolutionizing the industry.

What Is Vertical Farming?

Vertical farming is the production of crops on vertically stacked tiers.

The plants are cultivated on vertically stacked layers and fitted into structures like a refurbished warehouse.

The method utilizes controlled environment agriculture technology (CEA) which employs indoor farming techniques. CEA involves the artificial control of temperature, humidity, and light.

The primary aim of vertical farming is to maximize crop yields in a limited space.

There are two main types of marijuana vertical cannabis farming. 

1. Stacked Vertical

Stacked vertical is a common method where multiple racks are stacked on top of each other around a central light or with lights on each shelf. The setup allows you to use the space between the floor and roof, maximizing space.

The plants need to be kept short and bud heavy when using the system. Hydroponics and soil-based vertical grow systems are suitable for this approach.

2. True Vertical

True vertical is the advancement of the stacked method. The stacked model is more or less 2-3 horizontal farms built on top of each other.

In true vertical growing, plants grow out the side of a column; nutrients and water are drip-fed to the plants from the top.

The method utilizes aeroponics and the nutrient film technique (NFT), which entails the direct application of nutrient water to roots.

How Does Vertical Farming Work? 4 Important Factors To Consider When Setting Up Indoor Vertical Grows

The following 4 factors are critical to the process of vertical farming.

1. Lighting

Since most vertical farms are built indoors, it’s critical to keep an eye on the amount of light in the area. Farmers can use natural lighting, artificial lighting, or a combination of the two.

Artificial lights play a significant role in achieving the proper light balance for your plants. Cannabis plants, for example, require 18 hours of light during the vegetative stage and 12 hours during the flowering stage. It’s impossible to rely on natural lighting to maintain each plant stage. Fortunately, automated lighting can assist in creating the ideal conditions.

2. Physical Layout

The physical layout entails designing your grow room. Vertical farming involves stacking plants vertically. Therefore,  you have to consider tower-like structures in your design. These structures could bring a different dynamic when allocating positions for associated equipment like air conditioners, dehumidifiers, lamps, etc.

3. Growing Medium

A grow medium is anything that allows plant roots to develop and take water and nutrients. The grow media you use significantly influences the quality of your plants. Aeroponics, aquaponics, hydroponics, and soil are viable growing medium solutions.

In addition, there are other unconventional organic materials used in vertical farming, like coconut husks and peat moss.

4. Sustainability

The major advantage of vertical farming is the maximization of available agricultural space, increasing the output of existing resources.

In addition, vertical farms are more efficient than traditional methods because they use only 5% of the water.

Six Reasons Why You May Want To Switch To Vertical Farming

1. Less Water And Space

When compared to traditional farming, vertical farming uses  70 – 95% less water to produce crops. This is owing to the advancements made in vertical farming design.

Additionally, there are more freshwater savings when farming on a large scale, impacting overall production costs.

2. Increased All-Year-Round Production

Vertical farms allow more crops to be grown in the same amount of space. According to a Columbia University report, 1 acre of indoor space is equivalent to 4 – 6 acres of outdoor space.

CEA technology’s controlled indoor environment allows for plant production all year in summer or winter. All the necessary conditions are present in the grow room for cannabis growth.

3. Eliminates Environmental Impacts

Flooding, drought, and severe rainfall can be devastating to crops grown outdoors. Furthermore, these conditions are becoming more common and severe due to global warming.

On the other hand, indoor vertical farms remain sheltered from the elements, assuring a plentiful harvest regardless of the season or weather.

4. Increase In Organic Hemp Production

The hemp is grown in a controlled environment, eliminating the need for chemical pesticides or herbicides.

5. Preparation For Urban Migration

Vertical farms are viable for cultivating cannabis in urban locations where space is limited and demand is high.

6. Environmental Friendly

Animals or vegetation in the wild remains undisturbed, encouraging biodiversity.

Likewise, workers remain safe from work hazards experienced with typical farming like heavy machine-related injuries and exposure to harmful chemicals. 

Three Main Challenges Facing Vertical Indoor Cannabis Farming

1. High Initial Investment

Overall, vertical cannabis farming is great value as you can grow more cannabis in a smaller horizontal space. However, buying quality equipment can raise the cost. Also, acquiring skilled labor and purchasing associated equipment for climate control and additional equipment like ladders and sensors can drive up the cost.

2. Safety And Compliance Issues

As the racks go up, new hazards emerge, as technicians might need scaffolding or ladders to tend the plants. In such cases, you need to comply with OSHA regulations which can be restrictive for monitoring the structural stability of mobile racking systems exceeding two tiers.

3. Climate Control

Maintaining the ideal temperature, humidity, and air circulation in vertical farms can be difficult since the number of factors to monitor grows with stacking.

Microclimates develop, raising the challenge of keeping the same conditions at the top and bottom of the vertical systems with increased plants.

The situation will demand advanced climate control systems for every cubic foot to preserve the weed.

Four Quick Steps On How To Start Vertical Cannabis Farming

1. Choose Your Vertical Grow System

Quality should guide your decision when choosing a vertical racking system. You should consider irrigation pressure, drainage, electricals, and the plant’s actual weight. A sturdy vertical rack with cross and diagonal beams keep your plants secure and your workers safe.

It’s also vital to have the option of customizable racks in order to have something that fits your available space. Another consideration is whether you need stationary or mobile racks.

Mobile racks ensure that you are maximizing your grow space and utilizing every inch of your operation. Stationary racks, while they do require more space due to the need for more aisles, are an affordable alternative to mobile racks.

MMI Agriculture offers the most robust customizable uprights on the market, which are available in our online store.

2. Select Your Grow Lights

There are various grow lights available such as LED and HIDs grow lights.

Each type has its advantages and disadvantages;  for example, LEDs are costly yet have low power usage. HIDs are less expensive, but they generate too much heat.

The type of product you strive to grow determines the light to use. For most marijuana plants, broad-spectrum is sufficient. Pink light helps develop exotic buds as it gives you control over the quality of buds.

3. Automate Your Environmental Controls

There are many pieces of equipment used to ensure good climate control. Vertical systems can make your grow room dense, introducing microclimates in your grow room. To solve this, invest in sensors to automate your climate control equipment.

For good airflow, push the fresh air down the open spaces of your racking system and pull it out the other end.

4. Pick A Production Method

Space is limited in vertical grow systems; hence, you need to limit the plant height. Your plants should grow to a maximum height of 4 feet and remain in the vegetative stage for a short time.

Going vertical also means you’re doubling or tripling your previous yield. 

With the short plant cycle and increased output, you must rethink your strategy. You are transforming into a manufacturing facility where your goods have to move quickly.

Tips For Growing Cannabis Vertically

There are several aspects to check before purchasing vertical equipment.

• How the grow racks fit, ensuring good workflow and maximum space utilization.
• Proper light spacing and distance from the canopy are good for adequate light coverage 
• Proper sanitization procedures and surface material to prevent contaminants.
• If a beginner, start with two tiers stacking systems.
• Understand the microclimate within your grow space for better climate control.
• Choose the proper strain. Short cannabis strains are preferred. 
• Plan out your grow room. Your workers need adequate space to tend to the plants higher up, which necessitates ladders or scaffolding. There should also be room to remove trays for cleaning or replacement.
• Clean your pipes regularly and manage wastewater.

Ready To Make The Switch?

Vertical farming systems are the way to go to make the most of your grow space. MMI Agriculture offers high-quality racking that is backed by an industry-leading 10-year warranty to ensure that your operation runs smoothly for years to come. 

Contact us now to revamp your space for higher yields.

8 Steps To Set Up A Perfect Cannabis Grow Room

Congratulations! you have finally decided to grow your cannabis indoors rather than outside. Great choice! Now comes the next challenge; how to set up a grow room.

When setting up a cannabis indoor grow room, there are many factors to consider. For a start, you have to figure out the number of plants you want to grow, the types of growing mediums to use, the lighting needed, and how to supply the electrical needs to the indoor space. 

This guide will help you save money and time by showing you exactly what you need to know to set up an adequate and well-thought-out indoor grow room.

First, let’s look at some of the benefits of growing cannabis in a controlled, indoor environment.

4 Advantages To Growing Weed Indoors 

Growing marijuana indoors allows you to maintain control over your crop’s life cycle, resulting in consistently bountiful yields. Here are some of the reasons why growing cannabis indoors is the best way to go.

1. High-quality Cannabis

You have complete control over the environmental parameters in which your plants grow, resulting in high-quality cannabis. Although it requires a lot of money and resources, it allows for more control than growing outdoors, resulting in premium cannabis.

2. Increased Crop Yield All-year-round

You can grow in the summer or the winter and obtain the same yield. Furthermore, you have complete control over when the plants flower, when harvested, and when you want to cultivate another batch.

3. They Are Not Affected By Harsh Weather

In grow rooms, you supply the appropriate growing media, nutrients, water, and temperature for the plants to thrive. In contrast, plants grown outdoors depend on the weather for growth which is more random and volatile.

4. Confidentiality And Security

Growing your plants indoors gives you more alternatives for keeping them safe from looters. You will also be able to remain undetected, avoiding the judgemental eye of your neighbors.

8 Steps To Setting Up A Commercial Grow Room (What Makes A Good Grow Room)

Here is a checklist of everything you need to set up a beneficial commercial cannabis grow room.

1. Select An Ideal Space

Have a dedicated space for the hemp plants so that you can limit the amount of times the plants are moved.  Because weed can have a strong odor, especially during flowering, windows are beneficial for excellent air circulation as they help redirect the odor. 

It is also important to consider how much space the equipment required to keep the plants healthy, such as lights and fans, will take up. 

Because the plants double in size as they grow, you’ll need to make sure there’s enough room for them. In addition, the plants must be cared for, so leave room to work on them.

2. Light Proofing

Light Proof your grow space by ensuring that no light enters through the window or door frames from the outside. When the plants are in the dark, aluminum foil tape can ensure that light from the outside does not damage them. 

You can also use materials that reflect room light onto your plants while blocking light from the outside to cover your walls and windows.

3. Ensure Fresh Air Circulation

Your grow room requires constant airflow and fresh air for the plants to flourish. There is a variety of equipment that can assist in keeping the air in your grow room fresh.

High Output Fans

These remove stale air from the room and replace it with fresh air. They bring in the bulk of the air in your rooms, therefore choosing the proper fan for the size of your space is critical.

Oscillating Fans

These aid in the circulation of the air drawn in by the high-output fans.  

Carbon Filter

This cleans the air carried in by the high-output fans, ensuring that it is free of particles that can clog the stomata.

Window Vents

These cover windows enabling ventilation of the rooms hence controlling air that comes in and out the window.

On filters and high-output fans, it’s essential to look at the CFM (cubic feet per minute) value. The CFM helps you decide the size to buy so that you don’t give your cannabis too little or too much air.

4. Set Up An Irrigation System

When setting up a commercial grow room, it’s not practical to have workers watering the plants. An irrigation system will save you money by delivering the proper amount of water. It also allows your staff to concentrate on other critical activities.

Uniform irrigation results in consistent quality and yield.

5. Install Grow Room Lights

During the vegetative and blooming periods, marijuana plants require varying quantities of light. For instance, your plants will typically need 18 hours of light during the vegetative stage and 12 hours during flowering. They begin to flower when the number of light hours per day is reduced.

As a result, it’s critical to automate or set timers for lights to ensure that your plants receive the right amount of light at each stage.

On the other hand, you must determine the ideal light for your grow space. Consider the strength, coverage area, and light intensity when picking a light source.

The various types include:

• HID (High-intensity discharge) grow lights provide the wavelengths that plants require to develop. HID bulbs generate a lot of heat, suitable for large spaces. To help with temperature regulation, you may need to put exhaust fans or air-cooled reflector hoods on the bulbs.
• Fluorescent grow lights are useful for illumination because they don’t generate as much heat as HIDs. However, they take up a lot of room and are inefficient, producing up to 30% less light per watt of electricity.
• LED grow lights provide your plants with the necessary amount of light while using less than half the energy of HIDs. Furthermore, they do not produce heat, reducing the risk of overheating. As a result, they’re a good option. The most significant disadvantage is that they are more expensive than other lights. They’re also intense, which raises the risk of bleaching the plants.

6. Regulate The Climate (Temperature And Humidity)

Your grow room setup must consider several aspects of climate control. The first is temperature. The lighting system already generates heat in addition to the environment outside your grow space, warranting the need for an air conditioner. 

Humidity is the second factor to consider. Plants only take in a small amount of water and expel the rest into the atmosphere through transpiration. This mandates using a dehumidifier (which removes moisture) to keep the humidity levels in check.

It’s crucial to keep track of variations in humidity and temperature using measurement equipment such as a thermometer for room temperature, an infrared thermometer for leaf temperature, and a hygrometer for humidity.

Regulating Humidity 

Cannabis plants need about 40% relative humidity. Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air. You can control humidity in your weed grow room using:  

• Humidifiers– They are equipment that helps increase moisture levels. 
• Water– Mist plants with spray bottles in the absence of humidity adjusting equipment. 
• Airflow– Regulating airflow aids in moving moisture in and out of the grow space.

Regulating Temperature

Cannabis plants need to be kept at an average temperature of 700 F. The lowest temperature is 580 F (with lights off), and the highest temperature at 850 F when lights are on. 

You can adjust several factors to manage the temperature. 

• Lights– As previously stated, LED lights emit less heat than HID lights. As a result, use lighting that is appropriate for your needs. Furthermore, change the temperature at the canopy level by raising or lowering the lights. 
• ACs– If your grow space is too hot, an air conditioner can effectively cool it down.
• Heaters– These are useful when lights are off and you need to raise the temperature. 
• Airflow– Utilize airflow to bring in fresh air while removing warm air.

7. Install The Growing System

Establishing the growing media and equipment for your marijuana plants is equally vital.

There are several media options available, including potting soil and hydroponic trays. Consider investing in high-quality potting soil that is rich in nutrients for your cannabis.

Also, examine the ideal growth containers. These will be determined by the grow media, system, and plant size. Cloth bags, plastic, air, or smart pots are all options.

High-density vertical racking systems help indoor growers utilize the space they have available to them, both horizontally and vertically. These racks are also mobile, allowing them to move back and forth on tracks. By going mobile, growers are able to have only one aisle for an entire system, rather than multiple aisles for systems that aren’t mobile. Fewer aisles equals more space to grow!

8. Grow Room Flooring And Care For Plants

Take the time to inspect your plants for bugs, mold, and nutrient deficiencies. Inspect the leaves for pests such as spider mites or discoloration caused by nutrient insufficiency. Also, look for pests hiding in the medium.

To prevent disease transmission, grow rooms must be kept clean. A smooth surface, ideally concrete with drains, should be used for the floor. Water spills, debris, and disintegrating leaves are easier to clean on a flat surface. 

Turn A Regular Room Into A Commercial Cannabis Grow Room

You don’t need a large garden to cultivate cannabis; all you need is a dedicated room and specialized equipment to establish the ideal atmosphere for your cannabis plants. 

Also, since you’re going commercial, you’ll need to accomplish the following:

1. Consult A Lawyer

A lawyer can assist you in understanding the cannabis regulations in your state.

2. Create A Development Team

Having a team of experts on your side increases the likelihood of getting state approval. Physicians, horticulturists, and operations managers are among the people you should consider hiring.

Partner With A Vertical Farming Equipment Supplier & Grow Your Yields

At MMI Agriculture we offer vertical racking systems for your plants equipped with a retractable mezzanine walkway so you can easily tend to your crops. Furthermore, a 10-year parts and labor warranty guarantees the quality of our products. Check out this and other fantastic items in our store.

Contact us today to learn more and/or to get a quote. Trust us with your grow operation!