Question

2 2.29 Read the information about verticalfarming. What is the main difference betweenvertical farming and traditional farming?​

Answer 1

Urban Crops says that vertical farming yields more crops per square metre than traditional farming or greenhouses do. Vertical farming also uses less water, grows plants faster, and can be used year-round – not just in certain seasons. The facilities also can, in theory, be built anywhere

Answer 2

Vertical farming and traditional farming differ primarily in their approach to growing crops:

1. Growing Environment:

   • Vertical Farming: In vertical farming, crops are grown indoors in vertically stacked layers, using controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) technology. This method often utilizes hydroponic or aeroponic systems, where plants are grown without soil, receiving nutrients through a water solution.
   • Traditional Farming: Traditional farming, on the other hand, involves growing crops in soil, outdoors, under natural sunlight. It relies on conventional agricultural practices and is heavily dependent on climate conditions and seasonal changes.

2. Space Utilization:

   • Vertical Farming: Vertical farming maximizes space by growing crops vertically, making it possible to cultivate a large number of plants in a smaller footprint. This is particularly advantageous in urban areas where land availability is limited.
   • Traditional Farming: Traditional farming requires significant land area for cultivation. It spreads horizontally across fields, which can be expansive and may lead to deforestation or habitat destruction.

3. Resource Efficiency:

   • Vertical Farming: Vertical farming can be highly efficient in its use of resources such as water, energy, and nutrients. Controlled environments allow precise control over these factors, reducing wastage and optimizing plant growth.
   • Traditional Farming: Traditional farming methods may use more water and pesticides, and they are subject to unpredictable weather patterns. This can lead to inefficiencies in resource usage and environmental impact.

4. Crop Variety and Growth Speed:

   • Vertical Farming: Vertical farms can provide ideal conditions for a wide variety of crops throughout the year. Additionally, crops in vertical farms often grow faster due to the controlled environment, leading to multiple harvests annually.
   • Traditional Farming: Depending on the region and climate, traditional farming might be limited to specific crops suitable for the local conditions. Growth rates are also influenced by seasonal changes and weather patterns.

5. Climate Independence:

   • Vertical Farming: Vertical farms are not reliant on external climate conditions. They can operate year-round and are not affected by adverse weather events, making them more resilient in the face of climate change.
   • Traditional Farming: Traditional farming is vulnerable to climate variations, such as droughts, floods, or extreme temperatures, which can negatively impact crop yields.

In summary, the main difference between vertical farming and traditional farming lies in their cultivation methods, space utilization, resource efficiency, crop variety, growth speed, and climate independence. Vertical farming offers a controlled and efficient alternative, especially in urban settings, where traditional farming might not be feasible due to space constraints.