Practice Tests
IELTS Reading (AC) Task 1 #133

A. Vertical farming is an innovative agricultural practice of growing crops in vertically stacked layers, often in a controlled, indoor environment. This method utilises soilless farming techniques such as hydroponics (growing plants in a nutrient-rich water solution), aquaponics (a system that combines aquaculture with hydroponics), or aeroponics (growing plants with their roots suspended in the air, misted with nutrients). By moving food production into urban centres and growing upwards instead of outwards, vertical farming aims to address some of the major challenges facing traditional agriculture.

B. One of the primary advantages of vertical farming is its significantly reduced land and water usage. By stacking layers of crops, a vertical farm can produce a much higher yield per square metre of land compared to a conventional farm. These closed-loop systems are also incredibly water-efficient, using up to 95% less water than traditional field farming because water is recirculated and reused. Furthermore, being indoors, crops are protected from adverse weather conditions and pests, eliminating the need for pesticides and herbicides.

C. Vertical farms can be located in cities, inside repurposed warehouses or shipping containers, drastically shortening the supply chain. This reduces transportation costs and carbon emissions, and it means that consumers can have access to fresh, locally grown produce year-round, regardless of the season. The controlled environment allows for the optimisation of growing conditions—such as light, temperature, and humidity—leading to faster growth cycles and more consistent crop quality.

D. Despite these benefits, vertical farming faces several challenges that currently limit its widespread adoption. The primary hurdles are the high initial setup costs and the significant energy consumption required for artificial lighting and climate control. While LED technology is becoming more efficient, the energy costs can still be substantial. Currently, vertical farming is best suited for high-value, fast-growing crops like leafy greens, herbs, and some fruits. However, as technology continues to advance and energy becomes cheaper and more renewable, vertical farming holds significant promise as a component of a more sustainable and resilient global food system.