Secrets of Vegetable Growing: Rooftop farming is a type of intensive urban farming

A green revolution is underway in the heart of urban landscapes: Rooftop Farming. This innovative approach transforms idle rooftops into vibrant hubs of agricultural productivity, bringing sustainable food sources to the city's heart.

Why use rooftop vegetation?

As a result of the steady population increase, which led to the suffocation of cities with a population, which necessitated an increase in the number of buildings and various facilities such as housing, schools, hospitals, factories, companies, etc., all of this resulted in a severe decrease in green spaces within cities, which resulted in many problems, topped by the problem of air pollution as a result of an increase in sources of pollution.

With the increased use of manufactured materials that harm the environment, such as asphalt, various building materials, and glass facades, with the disappearance of the green plant, which is the only natural filter for air pollutants, and a population, which necessitated an increase in the number of buildings and various facilities such as housing, schools, hospitals, factories, companies, etc., all of this resulted in a severe decrease in green spaces within cities, which resulted in many problems, topped by the problem of air pollution as a result of an increase in sources of pollution.

Pollution by various exhausts, whether from cars, factories, or others, the increased use of manufactured materials that harm the environment, such as asphalt, various building materials, and glass facades, and the disappearance of the green plant, which is the only natural filter for air pollutants, have had a negative effect on the city’s climate and have increased the percentage of airborne pollutants.

As a result, respiratory diseases and a weakened immune system have emerged.

The rates of human disease have increased, incredibly natural for the body, as well as the health of a person, due to severe crowding and lack of space.

General behavior and increased violence resulted from the lack of oxygen and the green color of plants in the surrounding environment. The study found that the lack of garden space can be overcome.

Most of the city's green plants are planted on buildings' roofs. Hence the idea of rooftop cultivation.

It can be used to store trash and things. Various buildings and facilities in cities instead of the old ones are worthless, which damages the overall appearance of the building from below and harms the environment.

The advantages of rooftop gardening in urban settings

1. Studies have proven that the cultivation of roofs reduces the amount of pollutants in the air, as it was found that the cultivation of 1 m of roofs throughout the year leads to the removal of 100 g of pollutants, purified from the air of cities.

2-The cultivation of roofs leads to an increase in the percentage of oxygen and a decrease in the rate of carbon dioxide in the urban air, as it was found that the cultivation of 5.1 meters of roof throughout the year leads to the production of a sufficient amount of oxygen to cover the land. Respiratory needs of an adult for a year.

3. Roof cultivation leads to the cleaning of the roofs of buildings and various facilities and the disposal of garbage and dirt stored on the roofs, which provides an opportunity for the existence of many harmful organisms (mosquitoes, flies, mice, cockroaches, lizards, etc.), which negatively affect the public health of the inhabitants of these areas' long-term buildings.

4. Reducing the impact of the "warm island," which becomes visible within months. Summer in large cities is an apparent change in the weather, and one of its most essential signs is that the city's temperature rises by up to 5 degrees Celsius more than the surrounding areas.

This phenomenon is due to the fact that roads, buildings, and various facilities absorb heat and store it throughout the day and then re-emit it again later. This leads to a rise in temperature and changes in the city’s weather, which in turn leads to an imbalance in the ecosystem, such as smoke and dust isolation, among other things.

For the environment:

Extremely high temperatures increase the level of suspended harmful substances.
It also stimulates the formation of ground ozone (in the atmospheric air) and increases the presence of smoke.

All of these dangers are harmful to the environment and, in some countries, may lead to severe disruptions of air quality standards for human habitation.

The cultivation of the rooftops of buildings and facilities in cities reduces the effect of the phenomenon of warm islands, the way plants shade the roof of a building or house, the process of transpiration, that is, the exit of water from the stomata of plants and the process of evaporation of water in the environment in which plants grow; to the outside air, which leads to a softening of the atmosphere Surrounding the building with its roof.
Rooftop plants reduce the harmful effects of mobile plants.

5. Studies have also proven that plants absorb electromagnetic waves from industrial plants.

It's noise reduction.

6—Among the benefits that have been recorded for rooftop gardens, also for residents of areas near airports or trains, planting, especially on roofs, absorbs a large part of the sound and thus reduces the reflected waves.

7-The cultivation of roofs is one of the small projects that can be carried out by many groups of society, such as young people, housewives, people with special needs, and male and female students in their spare time and on vacations that occupy their free time. In a helpful way, since vegetables, medicinal, aromatic, and ornamental plants can be grown. Flowers that generate income for the family.

For public health:

The phenomenon of "Islands Heat Urban" leads to a severe rise in temperature that negatively affects the general health of the city’s residents. They may be exposed to sunstroke during the day, or severe physiological damage may lead to death in some cases, especially for the elderly, in addition to diseases related to the device. Respiratory system due to smoke and fumes suspended in the city's atmosphere.

Urban Rooftop Food:

Farms with intensive green roofs Food production on rooftops is becoming more popular. Rooftop farms and gardens fall under the category of intense green roofs. However, it is feasible to plant herbs on large green roofs. For instance, Allium species, especially chives, may flourish on sizable green roofs.

Rooftop food:

Growing rooftop food has several obstacles, like all intensive green roofs. Finding a roof with enough access and structural strength is essential. Although some commercial rooftop farms exist, the majority are community-based. Businesses worldwide, including London and Paris, have established staff-only urban food growing spaces.

Food can also be grown on a smaller scale on balconies and little roof terraces. Thanks to this, urban residents may have the opportunity to develop their own food and interact with nature. This can improve health and well-being, much like any other type of green infrastructure seen in cities.

FAQs: Addressing Common Curiosities

1. Is rooftop farming only for vegetables, or can you grow fruits too?

Rooftop farming is versatile; you can successfully grow both vegetables and compact fruiting plants, optimizing available space.

2. Are there weight restrictions for rooftop gardens?

Yes, weight restrictions apply, and it's crucial to assess the structural capacity of the building before starting a rooftop farm.

3. How do rooftop farms cope with weather challenges?

Rooftop farmers employ protective measures like greenhouses or row covers to shield crops from extreme weather conditions.

4. Can anyone start a rooftop farm, or is it only for professionals?

While expertise helps, anyone with dedication and some basic knowledge can start a small-scale rooftop farm with proper planning.

5. Are rooftop farms economically viable for commercial purposes?

Many rooftop farms have proven economically viable, contributing to local markets and restaurants while promoting sustainability.

6. How can I get involved in the rooftop farming movement in my city?

To get involved and contribute, connect with local urban farming communities, attend workshops, and explore rooftop gardening initiatives.