長文読解（人文系・自然科学系の文章）- 問題65

Urban vertical farming represents a revolutionary approach to agriculture that addresses the growing challenges of food security and environmental sustainability. This innovative method involves cultivating crops in vertically stacked layers within controlled indoor environments, typically in urban buildings or specially designed structures.
The technology relies heavily on hydroponics and aeroponics systems, where plants grow without soil, receiving nutrients through water-based solutions. LED lighting systems provide the necessary light spectrum for photosynthesis, while climate control systems maintain optimal temperature and humidity levels. These controlled conditions allow farmers to produce crops year-round, independent of weather conditions and seasonal limitations.
Research conducted by the Association for Vertical Farming indicates that vertical farms can produce up to 390 times more crops per square meter compared to traditional farming methods. Additionally, they use 95% less water and eliminate the need for pesticides and herbicides. Major cities like Singapore, Tokyo, and New York have already implemented commercial vertical farming facilities.
Despite these advantages, vertical farming faces significant challenges, particularly the high initial investment costs and substantial energy consumption required for LED lighting and climate control systems. However, as technology advances and costs decrease, vertical farming is expected to play an increasingly important role in feeding urban populations sustainably.