Plant Factory (PFAL)

What Is a Plant Factory?

A Plant Factory with Artificial Lighting (PFAL) is a high-tech indoor farming system where all environmental conditionslight, temperature, humidity, CO concentration, and nutrientsare precisely controlled. Plants are grown without sunlight, using artificial LED lighting in a closed or semi-closed space. This enables year-round cultivation and stable production regardless of climate.

Key Benefits of the PFAL System

PFAL maximizes efficiency and sustainability by minimizing land usage while increasing yield per square meter. Since it doesnt rely on soil or sunlight, it reduces the need for pesticides and allows for chemical-free, clean farming in urban or limited spacesideal for growing leafy greens, fresh herbs, and high-value crops.

The Origins of the Plant Factory Concept

The idea of artificial-environment farming began in 1868 with German botanist Julius von Sachs, who demonstrated the critical role of light in photosynthesis. By the 1920s, researchers began experimenting with growing plants indoors using fluorescent and high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps to simulate sunlight.

Space Research Leads to Earth Applications

In the 1960s1970s, NASA explored using hydroponics and LED lighting to grow crops in space. These studies inspired scientists back on Earth to further develop controlled growing environments. By the 1980s, interest grew rapidlyespecially in Japan, where limited farmland prompted innovation in indoor vertical farming.

Japan's Leadership in Commercial PFAL

In 1983, Chiba University established one of the first research centers dedicated to industrial plant factory development. Since then, Japan has remained a global leader in PFAL deploymentespecially for high-quality vegetables and medicinal herbs. Today, the concept has expanded across Asia, North America, and Europe.

Challenges and Future Potential

Despite its advantages, PFAL faces challengesmainly the high operational cost of artificial lighting and climate control. However, for premium crops where yield consistency, safety, and sustainability are essential, PFAL proves to be an efficient and valuable long-term solution.