Controlled environment horticulture has emerged as a modern method of
protected horticulture, taking place entirely indoors without the benefit of natural
sunlight. While it may seem impractical for commercial production, this approach
originated from researchers aiming to systematically investigate how specific
environmental factors affect plant growth and development, isolating them from
uncontrolled variables that could skew results. As technology for indoor plant
production has advanced, energy requirements for growing plants in fully controlled
environments have significantly decreased. This evolution has led to the development
of a new sector within controlled environment horticulture. This chapter explores key
environmental factors—light, temperature, and humidity—highlighting their
importance and how they are integrated into controlled environment practices. By
understanding these factors, growers can optimize conditions to enhance plant growth
and productivity in indoor settings.
Keywords: Agriculture, Cost-benefit, Controlled condition, Factors, Horticulture, Light, Operation, Protected cultivation, Radiation, Semperature.
