Hydroponic farming in shipping containers- Bullbox

The growth of the population and climate change present significant challenges to the agri-food sector, which must find new ways to produce food sustainably.

In this regard, hydroponic farming represents an alternative to traditional agriculture. This method allows for the cultivation of a wide variety of vegetables and greens in a cleaner and more controlled manner. Thus, hydroponic farming would help meet the demand for fresh food, reduce dependence on the importation of agricultural products, and promote local agriculture.

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What is Hydroponic Farming?

Hydroponic farming does away with soil for growing food. It is based on the NFT (nutrient film technique) system patented by Dr. Allan Cooper in the mid-1970s.

Among the different hydroponic systems, water culture is the most common. This system uses a nutrient-rich water irrigation method, along with low-energy LED lights that simulate sunlight.

Differences Between Hydroponic and Traditional Farming

Hydroponics is a technique that is increasingly being used due to its many advantages:

Ensures production:

Harvests are stable throughout the year and do not depend on weather conditions.

Environmentally friendly:

It does not require pesticides or herbicides. Moreover, in hydroponic farming, water is constantly recirculated, reducing water consumption by 80 percent.

Saves time:

Harvest times are shorter. For example, lettuce in traditional farming may take about three and a half months to grow, while in hydroponic farming, it does so in just two months.

Allows planting on any surface:

It does not use soil. You can plant in small or hard-to-access spaces efficiently. Vertical farming, for example, can accommodate up to 40 or 50 plants per square meter.

Farming in Shipping Containers

We’ve seen how the transformation possibilities of containers make them an attractive solution for housing, businesses, and all kinds of industrial applications. In hydroponic farming, shipping containers also have a very promising future. These structures can house the necessary requirements for crops to thrive in any season and location. It doesn’t matter if external weather conditions reach 50ºC or below zero temperatures.

Inside each container, equipment is installed to regulate humidity, temperature, light, and systems for sensorization and automation for system operation. These container greenhouses come pre-assembled, ready to connect externally at the location where they will be placed. An innovative solution for farmers, agricultural businesses, or individuals committed to producing and consuming fresh, quality, and locally grown products.

Advantages of Hydroponic Farming in Containers

Durability:

Shipping containers are designed to withstand any weather conditions. Their steel structure protects crops from droughts, floods, or pests, while also guaranteeing durability.

Mobility:

Thanks to their mobile design, container greenhouses can be easily transported and relocated according to production needs. This means farmers can operate closer to urban centers, reducing the distance between the production and distribution of fresh food.

Versatility and Adaptability:

There is a wide variety of container sizes for every purpose. From a small container for growing fresh produce for personal use, to large-scale crop production in 20’ and 40’ containers. Another advantage of transformed shipping containers is their ability to adapt to available space. Each container is a module that can be stacked vertically or aligned in a row, creating a compact and efficient agricultural infrastructure.