Protected Cultivation of Horticultural Crops: Advances and Sustainability

Protected cultivation, also known as controlled environment agriculture or greenhouse cultivation, is a modern agricultural practice used to grow horticultural crops under controlled environmental conditions. This method provides several advantages, including protection from adverse weather, pests, and diseases, as well as the ability to optimize growing conditions for maximum crop yield and quality. It typically utilizes greenhouse structures that allow growers to control various environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, light intensity, and CO2 levels, maintaining ideal conditions for plant growth. This cultivation method is suitable for various horticultural crops, including vegetables, fruits, flowers, and ornamental plants, enabling year-round production, disease and pest management, extended growing seasons, improved crop quality, and prolonged post-harvest freshness. At present, the protected cultivation of horticultural crops has evolved significantly, with a strong emphasis on sustainability.