## 1 Introduction  
The ever-growing world population is putting an increasing strain on the Earth's resources, particularly on agricultural land. As cities continue to expand and urbanization takes over farmland, the amount of available arable land is shrinking, making it increasingly challenging to produce enough food to feed the world's population [1]. Furthermore, global climate change is causing extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, and heat waves, which can adversely impact crop yields [2]. Agricultural production is further affected by the depletion of natural resources, including water and nutrients, as well as the growing prevalence of pests and diseases [3]. Meeting rising food needs while safeguarding natural resources demands creative solutions and sustainable approaches. Natural conditions and input availability may challenge optimal crop growth [4]. Crop growth is affected by several environmental factors, including air temperature, relative humidity, carbon dioxide concentration, soil temperature, and soil water content [5]. Plastic-covered greenhouses can be utilized to artificially control the micro-climate and regulate environmental conditions for crop growth [6]. Greenhouses are enclosed environments that can be actively controlled to increase the yield of crops and vegetables, especially high-priced vegetables and off-season crops. The production of greenhouse crops is generally 2-3 times higher than that of open-field crops [7; 8]. Due to their benefits for plant and vegetable cultivation, greenhouses have become widely used [9]. Chinese solar greenhouses (CSGs) are distinctive agricultural structures consisting of a rear, north-facing wall, and a transparent, south-facing wall. The rear wall saves energy from sunlight in the daytime and releases heat into the greenhouse throughout the night. The low operational costs of CSGs, stemming from their energy-saving properties, have made them highly popular in China [10; 11]. The cultivation of vegetables in solar greenhouses in China grew from approximately 3.3 million hectares in 2012 [12] to 3.8 million hectares in 2020 [13]. However, during the winter, conventional greenhouses often face challenges in maintaining optimum growing conditions for crops and vegetables. This is primarily due to the low air and soil temperatures inside the greenhouse, which can limit plant growth and development [14]. Additionally, shorter day lengths and reduced solar radiation during the winter months can further inhibit plant growth and productivity [15]. In winter, greenhouse heating expenses can hinder production due to their high energy cost [16]. Solar greenhouses offer a solution by harnessing solar energy to create a warm environment for cold-climate crop growth. In China, solar greenhouse design often integrates passive solar heating methods like insulation, heat storage, and angled glazing to optimize solar energy capture [17]. The use of solar greenhouses extends the growing season and increases the yields of crops such as vegetables, fruits, and flowers [18]. Effective management practices, encompassing ideal temperature, humidity, light levels, and proper pest and disease control, are vital for maximizing the benefits. The microclimate within CSGs, especially the temperature, humidity, and radiation, is critically important for ensuring crop growth as well as high yields and quality [19]. The temperature distribution throughout the greenhouse and the control of temperature and humidity within an appropriate range is essential for ensuring the uniform growth of crops [20]. In tropical areas with strong solar radiation, coverings and ventilation are necessary for reducing the air temperature of greenhouses. By contrast, cold regions demand regular plant health checkups, especially during the harsh winter season [21]. Several studies have analyzed environmental microclimate conditions to evaluate and optimize crop growth conditions and to improve the energy efficiency of greenhouses.