Syllabus Edition
First teaching 2024
First exams 2026
Technological Innovations in Agriculture (HL) (DP IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS))
Revision Note
Written by: Alistair Marjot
Reviewed by: Jacque Cartwright
Technological Innovations in Agriculture
Modern agriculture uses advanced greenhouse and vertical farming techniques
These techniques:
Increase productivity
Meet the growing food demands of urban areas
High-tech greenhouses
Controlled environment:
High-tech greenhouses are designed to maintain ideal growing conditions
Factors controlling these greenhouses include temperature, humidity, light, and CO₂ levels
Year-round crop growth is possible, ensuring consistent yields
Hydroponic systems:
Many greenhouses use hydroponic systems for plant growth
Plants are grown in a nutrient-rich water solution instead of soil
Hydroponics can reduce water usage by up to 90% compared to traditional farming
This is because the water is recycled within the system
This method accelerates plant growth and increases yields
Energy and climate considerations:
High-tech greenhouses can be energy-intensive
Heating, cooling, and lighting require significant energy
Some greenhouses are adopting renewable energy sources, such as solar and geothermal, to reduce environmental impact
Vertical farms
Efficient use of space:
Vertical farms grow crops in stacked layers within indoor facilities
This maximises use of space
This is an advantage in densely populated urban areas
Urban food production:
Vertical farms have the potential to enhance food security in urban environments
They can provide fresh produce to residents and reduce reliance on imports
Proximity to consumers reduces transportation costs and emissions
Artificial lighting and climate control:
Vertical farms use LED lights for optimal photosynthesis
Artificial lighting ensures consistent growth conditions
Use systems to minimise water use and deliver nutrients precisely
Examples include:
Hydroponics: growing plants without soil, using mineral- and nutrient-rich water instead
Aeroponics: crops hang in the air with their roots exposed and a nutrient-rich mist waters the plants
Advantages and Disadvantages of Vertical Farms
Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
Doesn’t require soil, which is ideal for places with poor soils Can be grown in all sorts of places, from highly urbanised cities to the underground Much more sustainable, using
Saves land for other resources Supporting food security and climate change, as there is less risk of crop damage from flooding or droughts. It is more reliable Aeroponics reduces the amount of labour needed to grow produce | Needs regular monitoring and knowledge to operate successfully Low labour inputs may result in fewer jobs and the loss of traditional farming jobs Heavily technology dependent
Land in urban areas is expensive, resulting in higher costs The systems use a lot of energy |
Sustainability challenges
High-tech greenhouses and vertical farms face sustainability challenges
They rely on artificial climate control and lighting, leading to high energy consumption
Much of this energy still comes from burning fossil fuels
Researchers are exploring ways to improve efficiency
Solutions include integrating renewable energy sources and smarter technologies for managing resources such as heat, water and nutrients
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