長文読解（人文系・自然科学系の文章）- 問題81

Urban vertical farming represents a revolutionary approach to agriculture that addresses the growing challenges of food security in densely populated cities. This innovative method involves growing crops in vertically stacked layers within controlled indoor environments, using techniques such as hydroponics and LED lighting systems.
The benefits of vertical farming are substantial. First, it requires 95% less water than traditional farming methods due to precise nutrient delivery systems. Second, crops can be grown year-round regardless of weather conditions, potentially producing yields up to 390 times higher per square foot than conventional outdoor farming. Additionally, vertical farms eliminate the need for pesticides since they operate in sterile, controlled environments.
However, vertical farming faces significant obstacles. The initial setup costs are extremely high, often reaching millions of dollars for large-scale operations. Energy consumption is also a major concern, as LED lights and climate control systems require substantial electricity. Currently, most vertical farms focus on leafy greens and herbs, which have shorter growth cycles and higher profit margins compared to staple crops like wheat or rice.
Despite these challenges, experts predict that vertical farming will play an increasingly important role in feeding urban populations. As technology advances and costs decrease, this method could transform how cities approach food production and distribution.