What’s the distinction between CEA and soil-grown produce?
November 8, 2023
Joe Swartz

For higher or for worse, when most individuals take into consideration Hydroponics and Managed Atmosphere Agriculture, one of many first issues they consider is know-how.

All farming makes use of know-how to optimize outcomes, in fact. The hoe is a know-how, as is an ox-drawn plow. Irrigation is a know-how. That is to say nothing in regards to the newest technology of AI-driven, distant managed tractors and machines changing into more and more prevalent in soil farming. 

People have all the time used progressive applied sciences to assist feed themselves and their communities. However for a lot of comprehensible causes, CEA know-how nonetheless feels very new, eye-catching, and in some ways overseas to lots of people. This creates sturdy reactions. In most of North America and Europe, many customers have an affinity for meals that feels particularly “pure” to them, and CEA-grown meals could be seen as a curiosity. Alternatively, I’ve labored with growers in a number of East-Asian nations who’ve advised me that their customers are thrilled by the thought of consuming “high-tech” meals.

I’ve written at size prior to now about the truth that the first purpose of all farming, CEA or in any other case, have to be to satisfy the wants of the plant. Our purpose is to not pursue know-how for know-how’s sake. As our trade has grown round a selected household of applied sciences, it’s actually essential for us to obviously perceive the ways in which these applied sciences influence the produce that buyers are consuming.

Right this moment, I’m going to share what CEA-grown produce shares in widespread with soil produce, in addition to the variations. The strategies we use in CEA definitely deviate from soil practices in some ways, however what influence does this have? Let’s have a look!