Meta-Analysis Reveals Key Influencing Factors in Controlled-Environment Agriculture

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from the University of Surrey have published a meta-analysis exploring the effects of various factors on crop yields in controlled-environment agriculture (CEA). The study, led by Michael Gargaro and Richard J. Murphy, found that CEA systems produce significantly higher yields than traditional field-based agriculture, with an average of 3.68 kg m-2 compared to 1.88 kg m-2. The analysis identified key influencing factors on crop production within these systems, including the variety of cultivars grown, the season, the nutrient delivery method, and the lighting type.

Key Takeaways:

  • CEA systems yield twice as much as field-based agriculture, with an average of 3.68 kg m-2 compared to 1.88 kg m-2.
  • The most influencing factors on crop production in CEA systems are the variety of cultivars grown, the season, the nutrient delivery method, and the lighting type.
  • Vertical farming studies within CEA systems drove up yield per area, reaching as high as 6.88 kg m-2.
  • The cultivation time for this study was 40 days, which is significantly shorter than traditional field-based agriculture (60-120 days).
  • 94% of papers in the meta-analysis had trial periods of 70 days or less, highlighting the efficiency of CEA systems.
  • The results of this meta-analysis are useful for starting to understand the key influencing factors on CEA growth and highlight the breadth of research ongoing in the CEA industry.

Statistics:

  • 3.68 kg m-2: average yield of CEA systems
  • 1.88 kg m-2: average yield of field-based agriculture
  • 6.88 kg m-2: maximum yield per area in vertical farming studies
  • 40 days: cultivation time for the study
  • 94%: percentage of papers with trial periods of 70 days or less
  • 60-120 days: typical cultivation time for traditional field-based agriculture

Sources:

  • Let-Us Investigate; A Meta-Analysis of Influencing Factors on Lettuce Crop Yields within Controlled-Environment Agriculture Systems. Plants, 2023,12(14). (Plants - http://www.mdpi.com/journal/plants)
  • https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.3390/plants12142623
  • University of Surrey