Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
455 results(10 / 19)
Management and safety practices in utilization of agro-food waste among urban agro-producer households
2021Charles Karani, Eric Obedy Gido, Hillary K. Bett · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Global
This study surveyed 456 urban agro-producer households using an electronically-structured questionnaire to explore informal agro-food waste management and safety measures in low- and lower middle-income countries. Findings showed significant disparities in management and safety practices between participating and non-participating livestock and mixed producers. Waste reduction (86%), utilization (86%), segregation (63%), and composting (58%) were preferred, while disposal (18%) and mixing with salt/dry feeds (24%) were less preferred. Knowledge variables, such as waste sorting and urban agriculture knowledge, had a greater influence on these practices.
CompostOrganic cycleFood lossCompost Based on Pulp and Paper Mill Sludge, Fruit-Vegetable Waste, Mushroom Spent Substrate and Rye Straw Improves Yield and Nutritional Value of Tomato
2021Agnieszka Zawadzińska, Piotr Salachna, J. Nowak, Waldemar Kowalczyk, Rafał Piechocki, Łukasz Łopusiewicz, Anna Pietrak · Agronomy · Global
This study investigated the use of compost made from pulp and paper mill sludge, fruit-vegetable waste, mushroom spent substrate, and rye straw as a growing medium for container-cultivated tomatoes. Tomato plants grown in compost-enriched media showed higher leaf greening, more ripe fruit, and increased levels of polyphenols, flavonoids, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and copper compared to controls. Specifically, a medium with 25% compost, 30% high peat, 15% low peat, 20% pine bark, and 10% wood fiber yielded the highest fresh fruit weight, total polyphenol content, and L-ascorbic acid levels.
CompostOrganic cycleDIYHealthEvaluating the Thermal Behavior of a Sustainable Room and Roof Prototype Using Recycled Waste Materials
2020· Recycling · Global
Monitors a prototype room over a year with walls of soil-filled PET bottles and a roof of multiple reused-material layers, including a green roof of waste materials, soil and endemic plants, demonstrating good thermal performance.
DIYOrganic cycleUtilizing Anaerobic Digestates as Nutrient Solutions in Hydroponic Production Systems
2020Bergstrand K., Asp H., Hultberg M. · Sustainability · Sweden
Evaluates using nutrient-rich anaerobic digestate from urban food waste as a hydroponic nutrient solution, supporting a closed-loop approach to urban and peri-urban food production.
Food lossOrganic cycleQuantifying Nutrient Recovery in Urban Farming Systems: Circular Economy Applications
2020Chen, L., Robinson, P., Silva, A., Kumar, M. · PLOS ONE · Global
Study across 25 urban gardens in Asia, Africa, and Latin America tracking nutrient cycling. Urban farms recover 60-80% of nutrient inputs through composting versus 10% in conventional agriculture.
Organic cycleEconomicsCharacterization of charcoal and firewood ash for use in African peri-urban agriculture
2020Dora Neina, Sibylle Faust, Rainer Georg Joergensen · Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture · Ghana
A study in Ghana investigated the potential agricultural value of charcoal and firewood ashes by examining differences in their chemical and mineralogical compositions and the suitability of various extractants for plant nutrients. Charcoal ash had higher pH, EC, and CCE than firewood ash, while firewood ash contained higher levels of As, Cu, Mg, and Zn, and more Mg-rich minerals. Both ashes contained trace elements, but their bioavailability and plant uptake after field application may differ and may not necessarily lead to plant uptake.
Peri-urban agricultureOrganic cycleCompostUsing constructed soils for green infrastructure – challenges and limitations
2020Maha Deeb, Peter M. Groffman, Manuel Blouin, Sara Perl Egendorf, Alan Vergnes, Viacheslav Vasenev, Donna L. Cao, Daniel C. I. Walsh, Tatiana Morin, Geoffroy Séré · SOIL · Global
This review examines the use of Constructed Technosols (CTs), mixtures of organic and mineral waste, for green infrastructure (GI) in urban spaces. While CTs have high potential to provide multiple soil functions and contribute to urban greening, urban soils are often physically, chemically, or biologically unsuitable for GI features. The analysis suggests that the composition and structure of CTs should be adapted to available wastes and by-products, as well as future land use and environmental conditions, highlighting the need for careful design to overcome existing limitations.
Environmental trade-offsOrganic cycleClimate changeBiodiversityDIYAssessing Nutrient Removal in Stormwater Runoff for Urban Farming with Iron filings-based Green Environmental Media
2020Dan Wen, Ni‐Bin Chang, Martin P. Wanielista · Scientific Reports · Global
This study assessed the nutrient removal efficiencies of Iron Filings-based Green Environmental Media (IFGEM) for stormwater runoff, using an isotherm study, a column study of reaction kinetics, and microstructure examination. IFGEM, made from recycled materials like tire crumb and iron filings, demonstrated over 90% nitrate removal and 50-70% total phosphorus removal under most inlet conditions. The ammonia byproduct allows for potential reuse of spent IFGEM as soil amendments in urban farming applications.
Organic cycleClimate changeDIYA SUSTAINABLE URBAN FARMING INDEX ASSESSMENT MODEL FOR EVALUATING FOOD PRODUCTIVITY THAT APPLIES MULTI-CRITERIA DECISION-MAKING METHODS — A CASE STUDY IN MALAYSIA
2020Ali Keyvanfar, Arezou Shafaghat, Tan Sze Inn, Sapura Mohamad · DigitalCommons - Kennesaw State University (Kennesaw State University) · Malaysia
This research developed the Sustainable Urban Farming Index Assessment (SUFIA) Model to quantify and evaluate the performance of urban farms' sustainable food production. Applying a critical literature review and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), the model identified reducing air pollution, soil health and water cleaning, and food sovereignty as critical for food productivity. When implemented at Zenxin Organic Farm in Malaysia for validation, the farm earned a Grade C, indicating it is a usable urban farm but requires substantial improvements in areas such as soil health, water cleaning, site design, and community environment.
Limited or null effectClimate changeOrganic cycleFood sovereignty & justicePolicyAgriculture urbaine, pratiques agricoles et impacts environnementaux et de santé publique
2020Maëlle Tripon, Dorothée Boccanfuso, Marie-Ève Yergeau · Cahiers de recherche · Global
This literature review examines urban agriculture (UA) models, their implementation contexts, production needs, and impacts. It highlights that UA faces limitations, particularly restricted access to good quality (unpolluted) soil, water, and air, which can negatively impact productivity. UA can also have negative impacts on ecosystems and human health, such as pollution and diseases, depending on management methods.
Contamination & food safetyHealthBiodiversityClimate changeOrganic cycleApplying Rice Husk Biochar for Carbon Sequestration in Building-Integrated Agriculture for Sustainable Urban Agriculture
2020· Materials International · Global
A study assessed carbon storage in rooftop farming using rice husk biochar (RHB) as a soil amendment. Seven soil supplementation treatments were assayed, including 20 wt.% organic fertilizer (worm casting), RHB (1.5, 2.0, or 2.5 wt.%), and combinations of worm casting with RHB, plus a non-supplemented control. The highest amount of carbon in biomass and soil was observed when using soil supplemented with worm casting plus 2.5 wt.% RHB, which positively impacted carbon sequestration in rooftop agricultural soils and urban food security.
Climate changeOrganic cycleDIYImpacto del marabú (dichrostachys cinerea (l.) wigth et arm sobre la calidad de los suelos
2020Noiry Pérez Pompa, Santa Laura Leyva Rodríguez · Sinergia Académica · Cuba
A diagnosis of farms infested by Dichrostachys cinerea (marabú) in urban and suburban agriculture was conducted at Los Téllez farm in Becerra, Las Tunas municipality, Cuba. Soil quality indicators for reddish-brown Fersialitic soils over granitoids were evaluated across four land-use systems: two infested by D. cinerea and two agricultural systems cultivated for 10 years after marabú deforestation. Results showed that D. cinerea systems exhibited the highest soil quality index, based on organic matter, bulk density, and earthworm biomass. Conversely, cultivated systems achieved the lowest accumulation of organic carbon, oligochaete density and biomass, and total porosity.
Environmental trade-offsOrganic cycleBiodiversitySmall Change is Beautiful: Exploring Possibilities of Eco-san on School Garden for Transformative Pedagogy
2020Kamal Prasad Acharya, Govinda Prasad Devkota, Krishna P. Dhakal · Higher Education Studies · Nepal
This article explores the possibilities of using eco-san in school gardens in Nepalese community schools, focusing on transformative pedagogical impacts on the social learning environment. The use of urine as fertilizer through eco-san positively impacted students' meaningful engagement, social connections, and confidence development, as shown by qualitative data from students, parents, and teachers. Parents and teachers highly valued increased student engagement, opportunities for experiential learning through dialogue conferences, and the building of social skills like cooperation and argumentation.
Food educationOrganic cycleCommunityEffect of Nitrogen On Growth and Yield of Chili (Capsicum annuum L.) in Roof Top Garden
2020Khalid Mahmud, Tawhid Hossain, Tamanna Haque Mou, Asraf Ali, Monirul Islam · Turkish Journal of Agriculture - Food Science and Technology · Global
This study evaluated the effect of four nitrogen levels (0, 90, 110, 130 kg N ha-1) on chili growth and yield in a rooftop garden using a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The 110 kg N ha-1 dose resulted in the highest plant height, while the 130 kg N ha-1 dose significantly increased fruit length, fruit yield per plant, average fruit yield per plot, individual fruit weight, and average fruit yield. The findings suggest that applying 130 kg N ha-1 enhances chili plant growth and fruit yield in rooftop gardens.
DIYOrganic cycleOdla tillsammans
2020Paul Sherfey · Budkavlen · Global
This study explores human-animal relationships, particularly with insects, in collective gardens through observation and digital research. It demonstrates that in collective gardens, cultivating community is as important as cultivating organic produce, and this community includes not only humans but also animal species like insects. The article analyzes why gardeners show interest in building hotels and cafes, sowing meadows, and arranging festivals for insects, especially bees, and contrasts discourses about bees with the lack of similar discourse about wasps, considering how different cultural heritages affect the value placed on species.
CommunityBiodiversityPollinatorsOrganic cyclePre-Implementation Perceptions Among Teachers on the Use of Ecological Sanitation and Application of Human Urine as Fertilizer
2020Govinda Prasad Devkota, Sheri Lee Bastien, Petter D. Jenssen, Manoj K. Pandey, Bhimsen Devkota, Shyam Krishna Maharjan · International Education Studies · Nepal
This Participatory Action Research study in Nepal investigated five teachers' perceptions of using urine diversion dry toilets (UDDTs) and human urine as fertilizer in school gardens. Few teachers accepted human urine as fertilizer, considering it impure and expressing unwillingness to use it on crops. Teachers disliked UDDTs due to perceived bad odor and uncomfortable sitting positions, especially for females, and felt urine as fertilizer was unnecessary.
Limited or null effectFood educationOrganic cycleCommunityHealthHow to Study the Ecology of Food in the City: An Overview of Natural Science Methodologies
2020Theresa W. Ong, Gordon Fitch · · Global
This chapter provides an overview of natural science research methods for new researchers in urban agriculture. It discusses applying classic ecological theory to urban agriculture's unique conditions, identifies open questions, and outlines methodological advancements and pressing issues for future urban agroecological research.
BiodiversityOrganic cycleClimate changeEcological Aspects of Urban Agriculture in the Context of Sustainability
2020Zornitsa Stoyanova · Economic Alternatives · Bulgaria
This paper aims to determine the possibilities of urban agriculture for improving life quality in Bulgaria, based on an assessment of its ecological impact. It analyzes respondents' opinions on the environmental benefits, customer profiles, product types, and production methods of urban agriculture. Conclusions relate to urban agriculture's potential for food security, resource optimization, green practices, and local employment.
Climate changeBiodiversityOrganic cycleCommunityPotential of Technosols Created with Urban By-Products for Rooftop Edible Production
2020Baptiste Grard, Nastaran Manouchehri, Christine Aubry, Nathalie Frascaria‐Lacoste, Claire Chenu · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · Global
A five-year experimental trial quantified the food production potential, soil fertility, and potential contamination of Technosols created from urban wastes for rooftop edible production. The cropping system showed promising results for food production and maintained high fertility. However, a concern was identified regarding the trace metal content of certain edible crops, specifically zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu), although most trace metal levels were below existing norms.
Contamination & food safetyDIYCompostOrganic cycleHealthInfluence of different ratio of soil and organic fertilizers on growth and yield of strawberry and marigold for rooftop garden
2020Alak Barman, Swarna Shome · International Journal of Biosciences (IJB) · Bangladesh
An experiment in Gazipur during 2018-19 investigated the effect of six different ratios of soil and organic materials on strawberry and marigold growth and yield for rooftop gardens. Marigold performed best with 1 kg vermicompost for 1 kg soil (T5), while strawberry showed best performance in most parameters under the same treatment. The lowest yield was recorded from 1 kg cowdung for 2 kg soil (T4).
DIYCompostOrganic cyclePre- and Post-Harvest Practices of Urban Leafy Green Vegetable Farmers in Accra, Ghana and Their Association with Microbial Quality of Vegetables Produced
2020Joycelyn K. Quansah, Cesar L. Escalante, Angela Parry‐Hanson Kunadu, Firibu Kwesi Saalia, Jinru Chen · Agriculture · Ghana (Accra)
A survey was conducted among 102 urban leafy green vegetable farmers from 12 farming areas in Accra, Ghana, to determine agricultural practices and their association with microbial safety of vegetables produced. It was observed that 70% of farmers used water from waste drains for irrigation, 99% used incompletely composted manure, 96% harvested with bare hands, and over 60% disagreed that polluted irrigation water can contaminate vegetables or make consumers sick. Vegetables cultivated by farmers with no formal education, less food safety knowledge, and those who disagreed about contaminated water causing illness were associated with higher fecal coliform and Enterococcus sp. counts.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCommunityOrganic cycleAgroecología urbana como una oportunidad para reducir las emisiones de dióxido de carbono equivalente en el ciclo de vida de la alimentación de habitantes de la localidad de Chapinero en Bogotá
2020Nicolás Caicedo Sarralde · · Colombia (Bogotá)
This investigation used life cycle assessment to determine how urban agroecology in Chapinero, Bogotá, could reduce CO2 equivalent emissions from food production and consumption without affecting nutritional needs. Based on secondary data and a comparison of current and increased agroecology scenarios, the study found that potatoes have high potential in urban agroecology for emission reduction. It also concluded that farm and transport stages have the highest emissions in urban agriculture food cycles, and efficient urban agroecology in Chapinero could reduce CO2 equivalent emissions by 38.99% in nutritionally balanced diets.
Climate changeFood sovereignty & justiceOrganic cycleMetal Input in Lettuce Grown in Urban Agricultural Soils
2020Silke Cram, Pilar Fernández, Horacio Carranza, M.C. Gómez Hernández, Claudia Ponce de León, Ana M. Noguez Gálvez · Open Journal of Soil Science · Global
This study evaluated metal inputs, transfer, and translocation in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) grown in an urban plot during dry and rainy seasons in 2013, using treated wastewater and rainwater respectively. While soil characteristics and metal transfer/translocation factors varied temporally, leading to different metal concentrations in lettuce tissues, the results indicated that the metal concentration in lettuce tissues posed no harm to human health. However, site-specific studies are necessary for urban agriculture management.
Contamination & food safetyHealthOrganic cycleHeavy Metal Uptake of Lettuce and Ryegrass from Urban Waste Composts
2020Remigio Paradelo, Antía Villada, María Teresa Barral · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · Global
A two-month pot experiment studied heavy metal transference from five metal-rich urban waste composts and a manure vermicompost to lettuce and Italian ryegrass under controlled conditions. Plant concentrations of Zn, Cu, and Cd increased with their concentrations in compost, while no such relation was observed for Pb. The study found that the ratio of element concentration in plant to compost was much higher for Zn, Cd, and Cu than for Pb, indicating lower bioavailability of Pb.
Contamination & food safetyCompostHealthOrganic cycleFertile cities: Nutrient management practices in urban agriculture
2019Wielemaker R., Oenema O., Zeeman G., Weijma J. · Science of the Total Environment, 668:1277-1288 · Global
Drawing on a survey of urban agriculture practitioners in industrialised countries, this study characterises how city-derived resources such as compost, food waste and urine are used as fertiliser and how nutrients are managed. It maps the practices and challenges of cycling urban organic waste back to farmland, systematising on-the-ground approaches that link food-waste composting to urban agriculture.
CompostOrganic cycleFood lossCommunity