CO2 enrichment in protected agriculture is a key strategy for enhancing crop productivity and quality, optimizing photosynthetic efficiency, and mitigating the impacts of climate change. In this study, a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of research on CO2 enrichment is conducted by compiling and evaluating 171 relevant documents published between 1982 and 2024 in Scopus, utilizing R-Studio and VOSviewer for data processing.
The analysis explores scientific output trends, predominant research methodologies, influencing factors, and emerging applications in controlled-environment agriculture. The findings reveal an exponential growth in scientific publications since 2015, with Asia and Europe leading the research landscape. The physiological and agronomic benefits of CO2 enrichment in C3 crops, particularly tomatoes and lettuce, include enhanced photosynthesis, improved nitrogen assimilation, and reduced abiotic stress. Additionally, advancements in sustainable CO2 capture and delivery technologies, such as industrial capture and fermentation-based systems, have been documented. However, significant challenges remain regarding the economic feasibility, accessibility for small-scale farmers, and environmental sustainability of CO2 enrichment strategies. A network analysis of scientific collaboration highlights an increasing trend of international cooperation, with China, the United States, and Japan emerging as key contributors. The integration of plant physiology, agricultural engineering, and environmental sustainability reflects a transition toward multidisciplinary approaches aimed at optimizing CO2 utilization in controlled environments. This study underscores the potential of CO2 enrichment as a transformative tool in protected agriculture. However, its large-scale adoption necessitates international collaboration, rigorous research on socio-economic and environmental impacts, and the development of context-specific technologies.
Strengthening global research networks and fostering applied innovation will be essential to ensuring the widespread and sustainable implementation of CO2 enrichment strategies in protected agriculture.
Espitia, J.J.; Amado, G.; Rodriguez, J.; Gomez, L.; Gil, R.; Flores-Velasquez, J.; Baeza, E.; Aguilar, C.E.; Akrami, M.; Arias, L.A.; et al. CO2 Enrichment in Protected Agriculture: A Bibliometric Review on Greenhouses, Controlled Environment Systems, and Vertical Farms—Part 1. Horticulturae 2025, 11, 476. https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11050476
Source: MDPI
