Research & reports

Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.

3 results

• Establishing a community garden in Miawpukek First Nation, Newfoundland, Canada: Research brief on soil contamination challenges and solutions

  2025

  Robert J. Moriarity, Meaghan J. Wilton, Eric N. Liberda, Tim Drew, Ada John, Howard Jeddore, Atanu Sarkar, Jim D. Karagatzides, Leonard J. S. Tsuji · Journal of Agriculture Food Systems and Community Development · Canada (Newfoundland)

  This study aimed to develop safe community garden sites in Miawpukek First Nation, Newfoundland, Canada, addressing potential soil contamination. Soil testing revealed inorganic arsenic levels exceeding Canadian agricultural guidelines. Hügelkultur-style raised beds with imported soil were used, resulting in undetectable arsenic in potatoes grown there, while potatoes from contaminated soil exceeded safety limits. Kale grown in both raised beds and native soil remained within safety limits.

  Contamination & food safetyCommunityHealthFood sovereignty & justice
  Read source →DOI: 10.5304/jafscd.2025.143.004

• Agricultura urbana contribui para a segurança alimentar no Brasil? O que nos diz a produção científica dos últimos dez anos

  2020

  Moisés Savian, Mari Inês Caríssimi Boff, Pedro Boff · Cadernos de Agroecologia · Brazil

  This study evaluated Brazilian scientific production from 2009 to 2018 on urban agriculture's contribution to food and nutritional security, analyzing 34 selected articles out of 612. It found that while agrobiodiversity is present in urban agriculture areas, pesticide use is a reality in some crop plots. The research suggests urban agriculture must be based on agroecology to avoid environmental contamination and produce healthy food.

  Contamination & food safetyFood sovereignty & justiceBiodiversityOrganic cycleHealth
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• Trace Element Soil Contamination at Urban Community Gardens in Washington, DC

  2012

  Adam J Long · Scholarship @ Claremont (The Claremont Colleges) · United States (Washington, DC)

  This study investigated heavy metal soil contaminants in 13 urban community gardens in Washington, DC, analyzing 45 soil samples using X-ray fluorescence (XRF). While most samples fell below US EPA action levels for common contaminants, high concentrations of lead (above the US EPA action level of 400 ppm) were found in the native soil of three garden sites, meriting concern due to potential health problems in children.

  Contamination & food safetyCommunityHealthFood sovereignty & justice
  Read source →