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Resources by Mitchell Doss

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What is Controlled Environment Agriculture?
Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) is a multidisciplinary and technology-based approach to crop production under targeted environmental conditions to optimize plant growth, quality, and resource efficiency. This article introduces the fundamentals of CEA, including its historical development, common structures, and soilless systems such as hydroponics. It explores key environmental factors managed in CEA, including light, temperature, humidity, irrigation, and CO₂, and highlights the diverse crops grown, from food and ornamentals to medicinal plants. Readers will gain insight into the advantages of CEA, including climate resilience, sustainability, and market opportunities, as well as challenges such as energy demand and high start-up costs. Finally, the article discusses future directions, emphasizing innovation, workforce development, and collaboration to ensure profitability and environmental stewardship in CEA systems.
Feb 6, 2026 SPES-751NP