Energy Efficiency, Water Management, Nutrient Management, and Smart Agriculture in Controlled Environment Horticulture

Controlled environment horticulture (Protected Horticulture, Plant Factory, etc.) is rapidly evolving with the integration of advanced technologies to meet the demands of a growing population, while ensuring resource efficiency and environmental sustainability. Energy-efficient practices and renewable energy integration have become critical for reducing operational costs and environmental impact. Additionally, effective water and nutrient management plays a key role in optimizing crop yields while minimizing waste. The rise of smart agriculture and IoT applications is revolutionizing how we monitor, automate, and manage controlled environment systems, leading to more precise and data-driven agricultural practices.

This Research Topic aims to bring together groundbreaking research that addresses these key areas and contributes to the development of more sustainable and efficient controlled environment horticulture systems.

The goal of this Research Topic is to provide a platform for researchers, scientists, and industry professionals to share their findings on innovative solutions that enhance the sustainability, efficiency, and productivity of controlled environment horticulture. By exploring energy-efficient practices, water and nutrient management strategies, and smart agriculture technologies, this issue seeks to foster advancements that will shape the future of horticulture.

We welcome researchers, scientists, and industry professionals to submit original research articles, reviews, and short communications on the following topics:

1. Energy-Efficient Practices and Renewable Energy Integration in Controlled Environments (Protected Horticulture, Plant Factory, etc.)

o Innovative technologies and strategies for reducing energy consumption in controlled environments.

oIntegration of renewable energy sources (solar, wind, geothermal) in greenhouses and plant factories.

o Development of energy-efficient lighting systems (e.g., LED technologies) and climate control solutions.

o Case studies on energy management and optimization in horticultural operations.

2. Water and Nutrient Management in Controlled Environments (Protected Horticulture, Plant Factory, etc.)

o Advanced irrigation techniques and precision water management systems.

o Nutrient delivery methods, including hydroponics, aeroponics, and aquaponics.

o Water recycling, purification, and conservation strategies.

o Impact of water and nutrient management on plant health and yield.

3. Smart Agriculture and IoT Applications in Controlled Environments (Protected Horticulture, Plant Factory, etc.)

o Implementation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices for real-time monitoring and control.

o Data analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence applications in horticulture.

o Automation and robotics for planting, maintenance, and harvesting.

o Development of smart sensors and networks for environmental and crop monitoring.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Controlled Environment Horticulture, Protected Horticulture, Plant Factory, Energy Efficiency, Hydroponics, Water Management, Nutrient Management, Smart Agriculture, IoT, Precision Agriculture, Automation, Sustainability

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.