Underground， smart farm takes root in South Korea 智能农场扎根于韩国地下

史婕

韓国一家公司在一条废弃的公路隧道内经营着该国最大的室内“智能农场”。在这里，不是太阳而是LED灯照耀在多层垂直架上。

The South Korean company NextOn is operating an indoor “smart farm” inside a former road tunnel （隧道）.

The farm produces fruits and vegetables hydroponically（用水培法）， which means the plants do not grow in the ground. Instead， they grow on vertical equipment that provides a continuous flow of water. Indoor farms use artificial light instead of sunlight.

But what makes the farm even more unusual is the fact that it sits inside a huge tunnel originally built for a highway but closed down a couple of years later. NextOn took over the tunnel and turned it into a high-tech farm.

NextOn officials say the tunnel environment permits ideal conditions for an indoor farm. It keeps a steady temperature of between 10 and 22 degrees Celsius. The tunnel is also completely dark， making it easier to provide exactly the right amount of artificial light. The farming system can produce more than 60 different kinds of fruits and vegetables which are healthier since harmful chemicals are not necessary to prevent large insect invasions （入侵）.

In South Korea， indoor vertical farming is seen as a possible solution to crop damage related to extreme weather that could get worse due to climate change. According to farming experts， high-tech farms， also used in Dubai and Israel， could be a good way to deal with problems many countries including South Korea are facing with： weather， decreasing farmland and fewer agricultural workers.

It can be difficult， though， for smart farmers to make a profit because of the high cost of building and operating. But NextOn cut its building costs in half by using the former tunnel and developing its own lighting and water systems. These technologies reduced water and energy use and the need for workers. Sensors（传感器）also measure things such as temperature， humidity（湿度）， light and air quality. This way the crops will cost less than other organic（有机的）vegetables grown today.

1.How is NextOn different from other indoor vertical farms across the globe？

A.It is far away from harmful chemicals.

B.It uses recycled water to provide for plants.

C.It takes advantage of an unused highway tunnel.

D.It relies on man-made lighting for greenery growth.

2.What's the advantage of indoor vertical farming？

A.It can help farmers make huge profits.

B.It doesn't need any farmland or farm workers.

C.Its crops won't be affected by extreme weather.

D.Its foods are much healthier than other organic ones.

Ⅰ.Important vocabulary in the text

1.permit v. （某物）使……成为可能; 为……创造了条件

2.close down 关门;停业

3.be related to 与……相关的

Ⅱ.Complete the following sentences in correct forms with the vocabulary given above.

1.The large windows ________ a clear view of the lake.

2.The little shop on the street corner has ________.

3.It's believed that wealth is seldom ________

happiness， but people run after money at any price.

Ⅲ.Completer the following sentences based on the text.

1.The farming system can produce more than 60 different kinds of fruits and vegetables

________ are healthier ________ harmful chemicals are not necessary to prevent large insect invasions.

2.In South Korea， indoor vertical farming is ________ a possible solution to crop damage ________ extreme weather ________ could get worse due to climate change.