To achieve food and energy security a transformational three dimensional multilayer farming, multilevel farming (MLF) is required. This is path to eliminating the conflict of “food vs. biofuel” and achieving both food and energy security. However, this goal is only realizable if such 3D MLF systems are economically viable. Each layer in the MLF system comprises at least one string of SanSSoil Growth Elements each of which carries out multiple functions to sustain plant growth. In addition, all the layers comprise permeability features enabling sharing of resources to minimize the initial capital cost and the variable cost of consumables: i)—light permeable layers so that minimum artificial lights are used and shared throughout； ii) roots and shoots of plants in each layer share space of roots and shoots of adjacent layers achieving vertical space compression； and iii) the layers are permeable to nutrient fluids to minimize fluid delivery sources.
