Advancing urban horticulture through vertical farming: A global review of technologies and sustainability

Abstract

Rapid urbanization, climate variability, and declining arable land are placing increasing pressure on conventional horticulture, prompting the development of resource-efficient production systems. Through optimized space, water, and fertilizer utilization in controlled conditions, vertical agriculture has evolved as a game-changing strategy that permits high-density, year-round crop production. Recent developments in vertical farming, such as system architecture, soilless growing methods (hydroponics, aeroponics, and aquaponics), environmental control, artificial lighting, automation, and data-driven management, are all critically examined in this study. The performance of horticultural crops, particularly green vegetables, herbs, and some fruiting species that exhibit great production and quality in vertical systems, is given considerable attention. In comparison to traditional agriculture, comparative analyses show significant savings in land and water consumption; nonetheless, high energy demand continues to be a significant barrier to sustainability and economic feasibility. Crop improvement for controlled settings, energy-efficient system design, integration of renewable energy, and standardized frameworks for sustainability evaluation are important research gaps.