This specially curated collection features five reviews of current and key research on vertical farming in horticulture.

Chapter 1 - Vertical farming systems for urban agriculture: Dickson Despommier, Columbia University, USA; 1 Introduction 2 The vertical farm: from inception to reality 3 Vertical farm technologies 4 Indoor lighting for growing crops in a controlled environment 5 Nutrients for hydroponics and aeroponics 6 Challenges 7 Future trends 8 Where to look for further information 9 References Chapter 2 - Towards sustainable plant factories with artificial lighting (PFALs): from greenhouses to vertical farms: Toyoki Kozai, Japan Plant Factory Association, Japan; Yumiko Amagai, Chiba University, Japan; and Eri Hayashi, Japan Plant Factory Association, Japan; 1 Introduction 2 Characteristics of PFALs 3 Resource consumption by resource elements: simulation studies 4 Production cost and its components 5 Reducing electricity consumption and improving cost performance 6 Challenges for the next-generation smart PFALs 7 Future trends and conclusion 8 Acknowledgements 9 References Chapter 3 - Advances in protected cultivation of ornamentals: James E. Faust, Clemson University, USA; 1 Introduction 2 Light-emitting diode (LED) lighting systems 3 Manipulation of plant growth and development 4 Sustainable practices and renewable inputs 5 Case study: propagation of ornamentals in a vertical propagation area 6 Conclusion and future trends 7 Where to look for further information 8 References Chapter 4 - Developments in soilless/hydroponic cultivation of vegetables: Dimitrios Savvas, Agricultural University of Athens, Greece; and Damianos Neocleous, Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, Cyprus; 1 Introduction 2 Advantages and disadvantages of hydroponics 3 Equipment 4 Substrates 5 Soilless/hydroponic growing systems for vegetables 6 Crop nutrition and nutrient solution (NS) 7 Product quality in hydroponics 8 Soilless cultivation specifics of greenhouse vegetable crops 9 Irrigation tips in soilless cultivation 10 Plant protection practices in soilless cultivation 11 Future research and technological developments in hydroponics 12 References Chapter 5 - Advanced hydroponics design for plant cultivation in cities: Giuseppina Pennisi, Alessandro Pistillo, Elisa Appolloni, Francesco Orsini and Giorgio Gianquinto, DISTAL - University of Bologna, Italy; 1 Introduction 2 Rooftop farming systems 3 Vertical farming with artificial lighting 4 Innovative SCS for urban agriculture: aquaponics 5 Case study: innovative urban farming systems through the international student competition: UrbanFarm 6 Summary and future trends 7 Where to look for further information 8 References