Controlled Environment Agriculture

Controlled environment agriculture is a technology-driven practice that manipulates environmental factors, such as lighting, temperature, humidity, water and nutrients, to optimise crop growth and yield. Horticultural production takes place within protective structures, such as vertical farms, greenhouses, shade houses, and polyhouses, which can also mitigate the impacts of wind and weather conditions. Polyhouses are semi-circular frames of varying heights, depending on the crop, covered by a layer of plastic. These have the greatest potential to attain the scale needed to reduce SDS emissions. Shade houses are simple metal or timber structures clad with woven mesh or shade cloth. Greenhouses and vertical farms are the most costly and spatially limited form of controlled environment agriculture. They are permanent, rigid structures made of glass or polycarbonate with sealed walls and roofing. They are usually equipped with a variety of environmental control systems. The design and orientation of these structures in landscapes vulnerable to wind erosion can provide additional protection similar to artificial windbreaks.

References and Good Practice Guidance

• Protected cultivation of horticultural crops worldwide
• Integrated structural design methodology for agricultural protecting structures covered with nets
• A comprehensive review on protected cultivation of horticultural crops: Present status and future prospects
• CGIAR Protected cultivation: Construction, requirements and use of greenhouses in various climates
• FAO Unlocking the Potential of Protected Agriculture in the Countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council
• FAO Good Agricultural Practices for greenhouse vegetable crops. Principles for Mediterranean Climate Areas
• UNDP Controlled Environment Agriculture for Sustainable Development
• Commission on Sustainable Agriculture Intensification Controlled Environment Agriculture for sustainable development. A call for investment and innovation