長文読解（人文系・自然科学系の文章）- 問題38

Urban vertical farming represents a revolutionary approach to agriculture that addresses critical challenges facing modern cities. By growing crops in vertically stacked layers within controlled indoor environments, this innovative method maximizes food production while minimizing land use. Major cities like Singapore, Tokyo, and New York have already implemented large-scale vertical farms that produce fresh vegetables year-round using 95% less water than traditional farming methods.
The technology relies on advanced LED lighting systems, hydroponic nutrients, and precise climate control to create optimal growing conditions. These facilities can produce crops 365 days a year, independent of weather conditions or seasonal changes. Research indicates that vertical farms can yield up to 390 times more produce per square foot compared to conventional outdoor farming.
However, vertical farming faces significant economic challenges. The initial investment costs are substantial, with energy consumption for LED lighting representing 25-30% of operational expenses. Critics argue that the high costs make vertical farming economically viable only for high-value crops like leafy greens and herbs. Despite these limitations, experts predict that technological advances and decreasing LED costs will make vertical farming more accessible and profitable in the coming decades.