Developments in Vertical Farming Infrastructure: Automation, Lighting Spectrum Optimization, and Nutrient Delivery Systems

Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences | Vol. 12, No. 8, August 2026 | pp. 122–126

DOI: 10.46882/2026.AAAS.120805

Review Article

Title: Developments in Vertical Farming Infrastructure: Automation, Lighting Spectrum Optimization, and Nutrient Delivery Systems

Names of Authors: Gomez, M. A.¹, Fernandez, J. R.², and Lopez, P. S.¹

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Agricultural Engineering, Technical University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain. ²Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA), Barcelona, Spain.

Abstract: Vertical cultivation networks provide viable pathways to optimize food security across hyper-urban landscapes by breaking reliance on large acreage farming systems. This comprehensive review categorizes architectural transformations within indoor facilities, with a specific focus on structural energy reductions and nutrient loop automation frameworks. Moving from standard monochrome LED setups to dynamic, multi-spectral systems allows real-time modifications of red, blue, and far-red ratios to match distinct plant phenological stages. These adjustments trigger target metabolic pathways, boosting antioxidant generation up to 34.2% in leafy greens. Robotic harvesting modules combined with computer vision algorithms manage spatial identification, lowering production labor costs by approximately 40.5%. The manuscript examines comparative performance indicators across aeroponic, hydroponic, and deep-water delivery frameworks, confirming that closed aeroponic loops minimize water requirements. Finally, engineering challenges regarding microclimate uniformity and air flow mixing strategies are characterized to guide commercial facility designs.

Keywords: Controlled environment agriculture; Automated farming; Multi-spectral LEDs; Aeroponics; Smart greenhouse; Resource loop optimization.

Manuscript Timeline: Received April 25, 2026; Revised June 22, 2026; Accepted July 28, 2026; Published August 20, 2026.

Citation: Gomez, M. A., Fernandez, J. R., and Lopez, P. S. (2026). Developments in Vertical Farming Infrastructure: Automation, Lighting Spectrum Optimization, and Nutrient Delivery Systems. Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences, 12(8), pp. 122–126.

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