Abstract
The practice of protected cultivation of horticultural crops has become increasingly important in contemporary agriculture, providing advantages that include higher yields, improved quality and defense against pests and unfavorable weather. This review aims to evaluate current protected cultivation practices and investigate their potential in horticulture and floriculture. The examination begins by reviewing the various protected production structures, such as greenhouses, high tunnels and shade houses, detailing their structural benefits and environmental limitations. The importance of protected farming in addressing global food security issues is emphasized, particularly its role in maintaining crop output year-round. Furthermore, this review examines the impact of climate control and the optimization of environmental parameters—including temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide levels—on crop morphogenesis. The application of cutting-edge technologies, such as aeroponics, hydroponics and vertical farming, is critically analyzed, highlighting their potential to maximize output while consuming minimal resources. However, implementing these systems presents profound systemic challenges, primarily the substantial initial capital required, the high energy consumption of climate regulation in regions with irregular electricity, and the risk of rapid disease spread in enclosed spaces. Adapting this advanced infrastructure to be economically scalable for smallholder farmers across diverse agro-climatic zones remains a critical bottleneck. The study also identifies major difficulties and limitations associated with adopting protected cultivation, such as high energy requirements and financial constraints and outlines critical research gaps in sustainable infrastructure. Finally, the investigation explores future perspectives, including the application of artificial intelligence and precision agriculture methods, which could lead to increased yields by further optimizing resource utilization.