A Review on Hydroponics and Vertical Farming for Vegetable Cultivation: Innovations and Challenges

Hydroponics and vertical farming represent transformative innovations in agriculture that provide sustainable and efficient solutions to the growing demand for fresh and nutritious vegetables around the world. The two modern cultivation techniques produce high yields within limited spaces, making them especially suitable for urban and peri-urban environments. This review delves into the underlying principles, key technologies, and the multifaceted challenges associated with these advanced farming systems. By leveraging controlled-environment agriculture, they optimize water and nutrient use while minimizing the dependency on arable land and traditional farming practices. However, widespread adoption faces hurdle such as substantial initial investment, energy-intensive operations, and the need for specialized technical expertise. This paper mentions some recent breakthroughs such as improved LED lighting, automation, and AI-driven monitoring of these systems that have amplified their efficiency and scalability. It also highlights the environmental and economic benefits and plays a crucial role in developing food security, reducing carbon footprints, and enabling sustainable urban agriculture. By analyzing the pros and cons, this paper will offer valuable insights to researchers, policymakers, as well as practitioners who desire to mainstream hydroponics and vertical farming into other agricultural practices.