Vertical Farming

Vertical farms grow crops in stacked layers inside climate-controlled buildings.

垂直农场在气候可控的建筑内分层堆叠种植作物。

Instead of soil, the plants are usually fed by nutrient-rich water.

植物通常不用土壤，而是靠营养丰富的水来供养。

Because the environment is carefully controlled, pesticides are rarely necessary.

由于环境受到精心控制，很少需要使用杀虫剂。

These farms can also produce food all year round, regardless of the weather.

这些农场还可以全年生产粮食，不受天气影响。

Supporters argue that they could ease the pressure on agricultural land.

支持者认为，它们可以减轻耕地的压力。

Critics point out that artificial lighting consumes an enormous amount of electricity.

批评者指出，人工照明会消耗大量电力。

For now, the approach works best for leafy greens and herbs.

目前，这种方法最适合种植叶菜和香草。

Staple crops such as wheat and rice remain far too expensive to grow indoors.

小麦和水稻等主粮作物在室内种植仍然过于昂贵。

Whether vertical farming becomes mainstream will largely depend on cheaper renewable energy.

垂直农业能否成为主流，在很大程度上取决于更便宜的可再生能源。