Integrated Optimization of LED Spectral Engineering, Nutrient Delivery Systems, and Biomass Heating in Controlled Environment Agriculture
1,2Ugwu Chinyere Nneoma
1Department of Agricultural and Bioresources Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka
2Department of Research, Publications and Extension, Kampala International University, Uganda
ABSTRACT
Integrated optimization in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) has become increasingly important due to rising concerns about food security, climate change, urbanization, and resource scarcity. This review examines the combined roles of LED spectral engineering, nutrient delivery systems, and biomass-based heating in improving crop productivity, resource-use efficiency, and sustainability in indoor and urban farming systems. The study highlights how environmental variables such as light quality, nutrient availability, temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide concentration interact to regulate photosynthesis, plant physiology, biomass accumulation, and crop quality. Advances in LED technologies have enabled precise spectral control for enhancing plant growth while reducing energy waste, whereas precision nutrient management and hydroponic systems have improved water and nutrient efficiency. Biomass-based heating is also explored as a renewable thermal energy strategy capable of supporting stable greenhouse microclimates while reducing fossil-fuel dependence. The review further discusses the integration of advanced technologies including sensor networks, artificial intelligence, digital twins, and automation for real-time monitoring and predictive control in CEA systems. Despite these advances, major challenges remain regarding energy consumption, economic feasibility, scalability, and system integration. The review concludes that future progress in CEA will depend on interdisciplinary, systems-based optimization approaches that coordinate environmental control, renewable energy integration, and smart technologies to improve productivity, sustainability, and resilience in urban food production systems.
Keywords: Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), LED Spectral Engineering, Hydroponic Nutrient Delivery, Biomass-Based Heating, Sustainable Urban Agriculture
CITE AS: Ugwu Chinyere Nneoma (2026). Integrated Optimization of LED Spectral Engineering, Nutrient Delivery Systems, and Biomass Heating in Controlled Environment Agriculture. INOSR APPLIED SCIENCES 14(3):27-49. https://doi.org/10.59298/INOSRAS/2026/14.3.2749000