Optimal Design and Operation of Hydroponic Edible Sprouting Farms

Abstract

Consistent food supply is becoming increasingly important as the population of world's rises. The future population is expected to grow substantially, highlighting the urgent need to greatly enhance food production (Global agriculture towards 2050, 2009). The assurance of food security hinges on key factors: ensuring the availability, accessibility, and utilization of safe and highly nutritious food. However, the challenge lies in fulfilling these requirements for individuals in a short amount of time. In addition to quantitative considerations, modern society's awareness of health and nutrition has led to a rise in the demand for diverse and specialized diets. People now seek healthy food that is rich in nutrients and vitamins, promoting well-being and preventing health issues. The simultaneous effects of climate change, global warming, and pollution are currently exacerbating the degradation of fertile soil, thereby causing obstacles in the food chain and overall production (Cole, 2018). The relationship between agricultural productivity and various factors such as climate patterns, water availability, and crop health is highly interconnected. The escalating environmental challenges linked with conventional agricultural methods, including problems like soil erosion, water shortages, and chemical pollution, prompt critical inquiries into the long-term viability of our existing food production systems. Consequently, there is a growing need for alternative approaches that can reliably provide superior-quality, nourishing crops while also mitigating the adverse effects on the environment. Hydroponic farming presents itself as a potentially practical method to effectively address these serious concerns (Sambo P, 2019).