[2026] PTE Academic Reading - Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers

Vertical farming is an innovative agricultural practice that involves growing crops in vertically stacked layers, often incorporating controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) technology.This method is typically implemented in indoor spaces such as repurposed warehouses, shipping containers, or specially designed skyscrapers.By utilizing artificial lighting, precise climate control, and soilless farming techniques, vertical farms can produce crops year-round.

One of the primary advantages of vertical farming is its exceptional spatial efficiency.Traditional agriculture requires vast expanses of arable land, which is becoming increasingly scarce due to urbanization and soil degradation.Vertical farms, on the other hand, can yield significantly more produce per square meter of land.Furthermore, because these facilities are fully enclosed, they drastically reduce the need for chemical pesticides and herbicides.

Despite its promising benefits, the widespread adoption of vertical farming faces substantial economic barriers.The initial capital required to build and equip these high-tech facilities is enormous.Moreover, replacing natural sunlight with LED grow lights and maintaining strict climate control demands massive amounts of electricity, making the operational costs significantly higher than those of conventional outdoor farming.