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2025 Vol.52, Issue 4 Preview Page

Review Article

Advancements in vertical farming: A review of potentials, challenges, and prospects
Timothy Denen Akpenpuun1*
,
Hamidu Oladimeji Sanusi1
,
Oluwasegun Moses Ogundele2
,
Abdulgafar Usman3
,
Azuatalam Reginald Gbenga2
,
Qazeem Opeyemi Ogunlowo4
1Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, University of Ilorin, Ilorin 240003, Nigeria
2Department of Biosystems Engineering, Institute of Smart Space Agriculture, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea
3Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, College of Engineering, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, PMB 2373 Makurdi, Nigeria
4Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
*Corresponding Author
1 December 2025. pp. 619-638
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Abstract

Vertical farming or vertical growing systems, a subset of controlled environment agriculture (CEA), integrates smart and precision agriculture to optimize crop production in stacked environments within a greenhouse, utilizing Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, automation, and advanced lighting. However, vertical farming can be carried out in the open, but the advantages of a closed system are sacrificed. This review examines recent advancements, including precision irrigation (hydroponics, aeroponics, and aquaponics), LED spectral optimization, robotics, and machine learning (ML) for enhanced resource efficiency. Case studies from Singapore, Japan, and the Netherlands demonstrate yield increases of 200 - 300% and energy savings of 30 - 50% compared to traditional methods. By integrating robotics, ML, and IoT, yields can be maximized, resource utilization can be optimized, and environmental impact can be reduced. Case studies from Singapore, Japan, and the Netherlands demonstrate the potential, with kale yields of 300 t·ha-1, strawberry production at 200 t·ha-1, and dual basil fish outputs achieved through 98% water recycling. Challenges such as high costs, energy demands, and technical complexity persist, particularly in developing regions. Future directions propose the integration of renewable energy, can offset energy reliance, cutting costs by 50%, low-cost sensors that broaden access and simplify IoT deployment, and modular designs that enhance scalability and offer hope for adaptation. This manuscript synthesizes quantitative metrics, comparative analyses, and implementation challenges, providing engineers and researchers with a detailed framework to advance sustainable urban agriculture through technology-driven solutions.

Keywords
crop production
energy efficiency
scalability challenges
sustainability
yield improvement
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Information
  • Publisher :Institute of Agricultural Science, Chungnam National University
  • Publisher(Ko) :충남대학교 농업과학연구소
  • Journal Title :Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
  • Journal Title(Ko) :농업과학연구
  • Volume : 52
  • No :4
  • Pages :619-638
  • Received Date : 2025-06-23
  • Revised Date : 2025-10-18
  • Accepted Date : 2025-11-03
  • DOI :https://doi.org/10.7744/kjoas.520418
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