The following text is about agriculture.
Vertical farming grows crops in stacked layers indoors, using artificial lighting and carefully controlled environments. This approach uses up to 95% less water than traditional agriculture and can produce food year-round regardless of weather. Vertical farms can be located in cities, reducing transportation costs and delivering fresher produce. However, the high energy costs of artificial lighting remain a significant challenge, making vertical farming currently most viable for high-value crops like leafy greens and herbs.
According to the text, what is the main limitation of vertical farming?
It can only grow crops in certain seasons
It requires too much water
Its high energy costs limit which crops are economically viable
It can only be built in rural areas
Correct Answer: C
Choice C is the correct answer. The text states "high energy costs of artificial lighting remain a significant challenge," making it "most viable for high-value crops."
- Evidence: Energy costs are a "significant challenge" limiting crop types.
- Reasoning: Only expensive crops justify the energy expense.
- Conclusion: Energy costs restrict economic viability to certain crops.
Choice A is incorrect because the text says crops grow "year-round." Choice B is incorrect because it uses "95% less water." Choice D is incorrect because farms "can be located in cities."