Bavarian Scientist Pioneers Soil-Free Wheat in Vertical Farm

Professor Senthold Asseng's research at the Technical University of Munich demonstrates the potential for drastically reduced growth cycles and multiple harvests per year.

Published on Feb. 1, 2026

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As the global population is projected to reach nearly 10 billion by 2050, traditional agriculture faces mounting challenges like dwindling arable land, water scarcity, and the escalating impacts of climate change. A potential solution gaining traction is vertical farming, the practice of growing crops in vertically stacked layers, often indoors and without soil. Professor Senthold Asseng's research at the Technical University of Munich highlights the potential for vertical farming to produce wheat with significantly reduced growth cycles and multiple harvests per year.

Why it matters

Vertical farming offers a promising approach to address the strain on global food systems by utilizing controlled-environment agriculture to increase yields per square foot compared to conventional farming. However, the high energy consumption of current vertical farming methods remains a significant obstacle that needs to be addressed through innovation and optimization.

The details

Vertical farms utilize controlled-environment agriculture (CEA), meticulously managing factors like temperature, humidity, light, and nutrients. Instead of relying on sunlight, LED lighting provides the necessary energy for photosynthesis. Hydroponics, aeroponics, or aquaponics replace traditional soil-based growing, delivering nutrients directly to the plant roots. Professor Asseng's research demonstrates the potential for drastically reduced growth cycles – weeks instead of months for wheat – and multiple harvests per year.

  • Professor Asseng's research was recently highlighted.

The players

Professor Senthold Asseng

A researcher at the Technical University of Munich who has pioneered research on vertical farming and soil-free wheat production.

Plenty

A leading vertical farming firm that is investing heavily in energy-efficient technologies, including advanced sensors and automation to minimize waste and optimize resource allocation.

Priva

A company in the Netherlands that is developing integrated solutions for greenhouse and vertical farming, combining the best of both worlds to optimize resource use, reduce environmental impact, and enhance crop quality.

AeroFarms

A company pioneering the cultivation of microgreens and specialty crops in vertical farms, catering to a growing demand for fresh, locally sourced produce.

Infarm

A European vertical farming company that partners with supermarkets to grow produce directly within stores, reducing transportation costs and ensuring maximum freshness.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

While vertical farming holds immense promise for creating a more sustainable, resilient, and secure food system, the high energy consumption of current methods remains a significant obstacle that needs to be addressed through continued research, technological advancements, and collaborative efforts between scientists, farmers, and entrepreneurs.