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water, and nutrients. The vast amounts of water used by agriculture are already causing serious problems in many
parts of the world; beneath California's San Joaquim Valley, the world's most productive agricultural area, water tables
have been dropping for almost a century, and scientists estimate that the land-not the water table below it-has sunk by
over 8 meters in some parts. NASA calculated that Southern California had a "water deficit" of 4.2 gigatons per year
from 2002 to 2015.
Aeroponic agriculture reduces water waste to zero. The roots of plants absorb the water when sprayed. You can collect
and reuse any water not used.
Traditional agriculture extracts only a small proportion of nutrients from the ground, leading to waste and unintended
pollution. Brittany, France experiences pollution due to the use of millions of tons of chemical fertilizer in an era of
diminishing natural resources. Nutrient-rich water from fields pollutes streams and beaches, causing algal blooms and
green slime on some beaches. Aeroponic agriculture reduces this risk by preventing the loss of nutrients, thereby
decreasing the likelihood of unintentional pollution.
Traditional agriculture relies on natural heat and light, while aeroponic agriculture may require artificial heat and light
indoors. Large-scale indoor aeroponic vegetable growing units, with small-scale renewable energy production and
energy-efficient buildings, may become a feature in future cities.
1) What is the benefit of aeroponic agriculture?
A. Water spraying in aeroponic agriculture wastes water.
B. No water conservation is affected by aeroponic agriculture.
C. Wastewater is reduced as plants collect splashed solution.
D. Aeroponic agriculture consumes a high volume of water.
2) How can modern farming affect the Midwest and lessen the environmental impact of distant produce transport?
A. Modern farming does not affect Midwest fruit and vegetable self-sufficiency.
B. Agriculture today may make moving food across continents more environmentally damaging.
C. Contemporary farming practices might make the Midwest more independent in local produce while lowering distant
transportation.
D. Modern agriculture cannot reduce the environmental impact of moving tons of veggies across continents.
3) How does aeroponic agriculture contribute to environmental sustainability?
A. Aeroponics can lead to nutrient loss and contamination.
B. Nutrient conservation in aeroponic agriculture reduces unforeseen waste.
C. No pollution is prevented by aeroponic agriculture.
D. It releases nutrients into the environment, creating pollution.
4) What is the optimal city food consumption approach compared to transporting food over long distances?
A. Cities should continue to consume food transported hundreds of miles abroad because it's the most efficient.
B. City food consumption used to be local, which shouldn't be an example for the future.
C. Edm ment across vast distances is possible and should continue for city food consumption.
D. Communities could produce food locally rather than exporting it far away.
