A Comprehensive Review on Protected Cultivation of Horticultural Crops: Present Status and Future Prospects
Shubham Jain *
Department of Fruit Science, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture & Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya-224 229 (U.P.), India.
Deepak S. Kore
Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture Bengaluru, University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot-587104, Karnataka, India.
Kishorkumar G. K.
Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture Bagalkot, University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot-587104, Karnataka, India.
Amrita Mohapatra
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Keonjhar, India.
Hari Baksh
Department of Horticulture, Tilak Dhari PG College, Jaunpur-222002 (U.P.), India.
Vipin Kumar
Department of Horticulture, Tilak Dhari PG College, Jaunpur-222002 (U.P.), India.
Sukirti Mohanty
Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Siksha 'O' Anusandhan (Deemed to be University), Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
Songthat William Haokip
Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture and Forestry, Central Agricultural University (I), Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh -791102, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Protected cultivation of horticultural crops has emerged as a crucial technique in modern agriculture, offering numerous benefits such as increased yield, enhanced quality, and protection against adverse climatic conditions and pests. This comprehensive review aims to present the current status of protected cultivation practices and explore its future prospects in horticulture. The review begins by discussing the various types of protected cultivation structures, including greenhouses, high tunnels, and shade houses, along with their advantages and limitations. It then highlights the significance of protected cultivation in addressing global food security challenges by ensuring year-round crop production and reducing dependence on seasonal variations. The review further explores the impact of protected cultivation techniques on the growth and development of horticultural crops, including improved crop morphogenesis, precipitation management, and the optimization of environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide levels. Furthermore, the utilization of advanced technologies like hydroponics, aeroponics, and vertical farming within protected cultivation systems is examined, with an emphasis on their potential for maximizing crop productivity while minimizing resource consumption. Moreover, the paper delves into the challenges and constraints faced in implementing protected cultivation, including cost considerations, energy requirements, and the use of synthetic inputs. It discusses sustainable and environmentally friendly approaches, such as utilizing renewable energy sources and adopting organic farming practices, to mitigate these challenges and promote ecological balance. Lastly, the review discusses some future prospects and trends in protected cultivation, including the integration of precision agriculture techniques, the use of artificial intelligence, and the adoption of smart farming technologies. These advancements have the potential to further optimize resource utilization, improve automation, and enhance crop monitoring and management, ultimately leading to greater yield and quality improvements in horticultural crop production.
Keywords: Environmentally friendly, food security, greenhouses, hydroponics, protected cultivation and vertical farming