Development and evolution of hydroponic systems in protected agriculture: a scientometric analysis and systematic review.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18041/2619-4465/interfaces.2.13400Keywords:
Hydroponics, Protected agriculture, Scientometric analysis, Systematic review, SustainabilityAbstract
Traditional agriculture faces increasing limitations in addressing global challenges such as climate change, water scarcity, and soil degradation. In this context, hydroponic systems have emerged as an efficient and sustainable alternative within protected agriculture. Despite their expansion over recent decades, no comprehensive review has yet been conducted to analyze their evolution from a chronological and scientometric perspective. Therefore, the aim of this study is to reconstruct the historical and technological trajectory of hydroponic systems applied in greenhouse environments. To achieve this, a systematic review was carried out following PRISMA guidelines, based on 545 scientific publications indexed in the Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) databases between 2004 and 2024. The results reveal an evolution from conventional methods to highly automated systems integrated with digital technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT). The analysis identifies China and the United States as the leaders in scientific production and highlights the importance of optimizing water resource use and mineral nutrition. This study provides a structured overview of advances in hydroponics, underscoring its potential to enhance food security and promote resilient and efficient agricultural production.
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