This book delves into the dynamic landscape of modern horticulture, exploring a myriad of innovative techniques and technologies aimed at fostering sustainable practices and maximizing productivity. With a comprehensive array of chapters authored by leading experts in the field, this book serves as a vital resource for professionals, researchers, and students seeking to stay abreast of the latest advancements in horticultural science. The chapters within this volume cover a diverse range of topics, each offering valuable insights into key areas of innovation. From “ClimateSmart Horticulture” to “Precision Irrigation in Greenhouse Horticulture,” readers gain a deep understanding of how cutting-edge methodologies are being employed to adapt to changing environmental conditions and optimize resource usage. Additionally, chapters, such as “Sustainable Horticultural Water Management” and “Optimizing Nutrient Management Strategies” provide critical perspectives on addressing challenges related to water scarcity and nutrient deficiency, crucial for ensuring longterm sustainability in horticultural production. Furthermore, this book explores the untapped potential of underexploited horticultural crops and discusses strategies for enhancing crop productivity and quality through advancements in biotechnology. It also sheds light on the importance of integrated pest management and post-harvest innovations in modern horticulture, emphasizing the need for holistic approaches to pest control and food preservation. With “Sky-High Harvests,” the book takes a unique turn by examining the role of horticulture in urban landscapes, showcasing how innovative practices can contribute to sustainable abundance in cities. In essence, “Innovations in Horticulture for Sustainable Growth” offers a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in horticultural technology, providing readers with actionable insights to navigate the challenges and opportunities in this ever-evolving field.
Dr. Santosh D.T. is working as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Agricultural Engineering, School of Agriculture and Bio-Engineering, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha. He has earned his Ph.D. in December 2019 from the Agricultural and Food Engineering Department at IIT, Kharagpur under the supervision of Professor K.N. Tiwari. He has worked as a Research Associate at Precision Farming Development Centre, IIT. Kharagpur for a decade (2010-2020), which was funded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. His area of research is micro-irrigation, greenhouse technology, protected cultivation techniques, and hydroponics. He has a number of publications in National and International peerreviewed journals. Additionally, he has four years of industrial experience as a marketing professional at TAFE Tractor, GEA Farm Technologies, and HDFC Bank.
Dr. Korla Harshavardhan is working as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Agricultural Engineering, School of Agricultural and Bio-Engineering, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha. He has earned his Ph.D. in May 2022 from the Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, TNAU,Coimbatore under the supervision of Professor S.S. Sivakumar. He became a certified drone pilot and also has been working as a drone instructor for spraying and surveying drones for the last year which was funded by the Gram Tarang Inclusive Development Services Private Limited (GTIDS). His area of research is Modern mechanization by using AI, Drone Technology, and Precision Farming. He has a number of publications in National and International peer-reviewed journals. Additionally, he has trained more than 50 efficient drone pilots for medium-category spraying drones (KRISHAK) in collaboration with General Aeronautics.
Dr. Bibhuti Bhusan Sahoo currently holds the position of Assistant Professor in Agricultural Engineering at Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha. He obtained his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, specializing in Water Resources Engineering, from the National Institute of Technology, Patna in 2018. Dr. Sahoo’s extensive research interests encompass various aspects of hydrologic modeling, statistical modeling, non-stationary flood frequency analysis, climate change impacts on water resources, and the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning in hydrology. His strong dedication to advancing the fields of hydrology and water resources is not only reflected in his role as an educator but also through his active contributions to addressing global water and environmental challenges.
Ms. Sharmistha Sahu, Ph.D. scholar in Farm Machinery and Power Engineering in the Department of Agricultural Engineering, School of Agricultural and Bio-Engineering, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha. She has 5 years experience as an Assistant Professor in the Agricultural Engineering Department. Her area of research is Farm Mechanization using AI, Smart Farm Machinery Design and Development and Precision Farming. She has a number of publications in National and International peer-reviewed Journals.
1 Climate-Smart Horticulture: Adapting to Changing Environmental Conditions .................................................................1 Santosh D.T. and Korla Harshavardhan
2 Innovations in Greenhouse and Controlled Environment Agriculture..................................................................31 Santosh D.T. and Chitra Shukla
3 Precision Irrigation in Greenhouse Horticulture...........................49 Bibhuti Bhusan Sahoo and Sharmistha Sahu
4 Sustainable Horticultural Water Management: Trends and Innovations.....................................................................61 Santosh D.T. and Chitra Shukla
5 Unlocking the Potential of Underexploited Horticultural Crops............................................................................81 Purnendu Pradhan, Santosh D.T. and Subhransu Sekhar
6 Optimizing Nutrient Management Strategies for Enhanced Horticultural Crop Productivity....................................93 Bibhuti Bhusan Sahoo and Sharmistha Sahu
7 Sky-High Harvests: Nurturing Urban Landscapes for Sustainable Abundance...................................................................117 Bibhuti Bhusan Sahoo and Sharmistha Sahu
8 Integrated Pest Management in Modern Horticulture: Challenges and Strategies ...............................................................143 Santosh D.T., Korla Harshavardhan
9 Advancements in Horticultural Biotechnology: Enhancing Quality and Sustainability ..........................................163 Shashidhara N., Dhanalakshmi T.N. and Santosh D.T.
10 Smart Horticulture: Transformative Post-Harvest Innovations........................................................................................181 Santosh D.T. and Korla Harshavardhan
