Summary
This comprehensive review examines strategies for manipulating environmental conditions in protected cultivation—including indoor and vertical farming systems—to enhance the nutritional quality of vegetables. The authors synthesise evidence indicating that moderate stress can positively influence nutrient composition, that plants exhibit stage-specific responses to environmental factors (e.g. seedlings benefit from higher blue-to-red light ratios whilst leafy greens benefit from green light), and that light intensity represents the most influential controllable factor, followed by CO₂ levels, light spectrum, temperature, and humidity. The review identifies this approach as a promising avenue for sustainable intensification of vegetable production in urban settings whilst addressing micronutrient deficiencies linked to urbanisation.
Regional applicability
The findings are applicable to UK protected horticulture, particularly glasshouse and indoor farming operations seeking to enhance produce nutrient density. UK growers could adopt evidence-based light spectrum and intensity management strategies, though implementation will depend on energy costs and technological infrastructure; further research into cost-benefit trade-offs under UK growing conditions would strengthen practical adoption.
Key measures
Micronutrient composition, phytochemical content, light spectrum (blue-to-red ratios, UV-A, green light), light intensity, CO₂ levels, temperature, humidity, plant developmental stage
Outcomes reported
The review examined how environmental factors (light intensity, spectrum, CO₂, temperature, humidity) within protected cultivation systems influence the nutritional composition of vegetables. The study synthesised evidence on stage-specific metabolic responses and identified relative importance rankings of these environmental variables for nutrient quality.
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