Interesting Fact:

The first scientific experimentation on the influence of supplemental light on a greenhouse crop was performed at Cornell University by Liberty Hyde Bailey in 1889 (Dalrymple, 1973; Bailey, 1891)...maybe bias - https://cea.cals.cornell.edu/about-cea/

Dalrymple (1973) found the earliest known CEA production in recorded history was mandated by the Roman Emperor, Tiberius Caesar (between 14 – 37 A.D.). Caesar’s doctor told him he needed a cucumber a day for good health. So, movable plant beds were placed outside during favorable weather and brought indoors during unfavorable weather. During winter, on sunny days, the beds were covered with a frame glazed with transparent stone (mica) and brought outdoors.

In the 1500s lantern covers were placed over small areas of ground and used to force vegetables. Greenhouse production of food (again cucumbers) is next recorded in 1597. In 1670 greenhouse structures similar to those used today were described.

Problems to be solved:

• How do we make these yields as high as possible
• Absolute yield = Edible Kg/Surface Area/Year
• Footprint yield = Edible Kg/Land Area/Year

General Information:

• Global ag is approx 5 billion hectares (38%) of the global land surface. About 1/3 is cropland and the other 2/3 are meadow & pastures
• The US accounts for about 400 million of that in total ag land, we're second in total cropland size with 158 million hectares of cropland
• 10% - permanent crops like fruit trees, palm oil plantations, and cocoa plantations
• 21% - irrigation
• Indoor farming yields about 10-15 times more than outdoor farms (combo in indoor efficiency (2/3 of increase) + allows for more turn around time(1/3 of increase))

For more information on the Food and Agriculture of United Nations Sustainable Food and Agriculture program, click here

For more general information and tips, you can visit Cornell's CEA website:https://cea.cals.cornell.edu/