Research & reports

Blanche Collard, Quentin Dutertre, Emmanuelle Baudry · Landscape and Urban Planning · France

This study investigated the relationship between vegetable growing and biodiversity conservation in domestic gardens in France, using a nationwide online survey and ecological monitoring in a suburban area near Paris. 67% of surveyed gardeners nationwide had a vegetable garden, and no significant conflict was found between vegetable production and biodiversity conservation. Instead, synergies emerged, particularly in the stronger commitment of vegetable gardeners to their gardens, wild species, and nature, and in practices like more frequent planting.

Marcelo Silveira Badejo, Calebe de Hebrom Livistom da Silva, Joana Josiane Andriotte Oliveira Lima Nyland, Afonso Henrique da Silva Júnior, Juliano da Rosa Justim, Cassiano Ranzan · OBSERVATÓRIO DE LA ECONOMÍA LATINOAMERICANA · Brazil

In Santo Antônio da Patrulha, Brazil, a tree inventory was conducted in the Cidade Alta and Centro neighborhoods to support an urban afforestation project. The survey revealed a lack of trees in 5 out of 41 streets in Cidade Alta and 2 out of 28 streets in Centro, with high rates of unidentified trees (53% and 12% respectively). Furthermore, pedagogical practices tested in schools and universities raised challenges regarding the management of flowerbeds in urban areas.

Ryotaro HAYASHI, Yasushi Kyutoku, Atsuya SHIMAZAKI, Yoshiki HARADA · Transactions of Japan Society of Kansei Engineering · Japan

This study investigated the applicability of the leisure constraint model to community garden programs in Japan, using an online questionnaire (n=732) on participation constraints across four activity scenarios. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the model can be applied to Japanese community garden practices. However, exploratory factor analyses revealed many extracted factors had vague or inconsistent question combinations, suggesting a need for future research to construct a community garden-specific leisure constraint model.

Mahsa Khanpoor Siahdarka, Mohammad Reza Masnavi · Energy Nexus · Asia

A mixed-method study in Tehran's District 10 investigated the potential of community gardens to address environmental and social challenges. Envi-Met® simulations showed CO₂ reductions of 77.74 mg/m³ around broadleaf trees and 84.37 mg/m³ with native grasses and phytoremediation plants, a 6.43°C reduction in mean radiant temperature, and a 7% increase in relative humidity. Social analyses revealed community preferences and gendered trends influencing garden design and plot arrangements.

Diego Alejandro Riaño-Herrera, Felipe A. Perdomo, Juanita Quintero-Castro, Alejandra García-Sánchez, Leonardo Rodríguez-Urrego · Sustainable Futures · Global

A content analysis and qualitative assessment of 34 urban agroecosystem living labs (UALLs) from academic and grey literature explored their design and contributions to sustainable city development. UALLs were found to boost agricultural productivity, food security, and community cohesion, while also supporting climate mitigation and waste reduction. However, the study noted that UALLs need to better align their strategies with SDGs and improve the measurement of their contributions.

R. B. Meshram, RP Dalavi · International Journal of Biology Sciences · Global

This review synthesizes contemporary approaches to urban biodiversity conservation, focusing on green corridors, urban rewilding, and green infrastructure like rooftop and vertical gardens. It assesses the effectiveness, scalability, and limitations of these strategies through a comprehensive analysis of peer-reviewed literature. The review indicates that strategically connected green spaces serve as critical habitats and that urban rewilding and rooftop gardens enhance ecological functions and habitat diversity.

基博 川西, 143997, Motohiro Kawanishi · Kagoshima University Repository · Japan (Okinoerabujima Island)

A survey of flora in seven elementary school gardens on Okinoerabujima Island, Japan, clarified the distribution of vascular plants and compiled a list for educational use. The survey identified a total of 480 species, comprising 211 native, 100 exotic, and 157 cultivated plants. The school gardens were characterized by a large number of native species, including rare and endangered herbaceous plants, indicating their high potential for nature education.

Solomon Asamoah, Henry Mensah, Eric Kwame Simpeh, Eric Oduro-Ofori, Sandra Serwaa Boateng, Sarah Boateng, Listowel Koda Frimpong, Priscilla Okyere · Green Technologies and Sustainability · Africa

This scoping review examined the role of nature-based solutions (NbS) in addressing food insecurity in Africa, using bibliometric and thematic analysis of peer-reviewed literature. The study identified agroforestry, urban agriculture, and wetland restoration as NbS components. However, it found that a comprehensive understanding of NbS efficacy, challenges, and implications for food insecurity in Africa remains limited, with existing research primarily focusing on localized interventions rather than broader trends.

Woo Young Kim, Seung-Won Ha, Sung-Min Jung, Jae-Soon Kim, Hyeong-Seok Lee, Y. Barry Chung, Han-Na Chu · · Global

A study implemented a bio-wall program over five sessions with second- and fourth-grade students, analyzing pre- and post-tests with paired t-tests. It found significant increases in plant familiarity (1% level) and ecological literacy (5% level) for both grades, but no significant difference in social skills for fourth-grade students. The bio-wall also improved classroom air quality by reducing particulate matter and increasing humidity.

Yiran Li, Chengweiran Liu, Yiran Wang, Muhan Li, Shasha Zou, Xiaona Hu, Zhiwei Chen, Mingrui Li, Changsheng Ma, C. Jennifer, Xin Zhou, Yi Zou, Min Tang · Insect Science · China (Suzhou)

This study investigated the survival status of mason bees (Osmia excavata) across 10 urban agricultural sites in Suzhou, China, using shotgun gut metagenome sequencing. It found that ingested pollen primarily came from Brassica crops and Plantanus, indicating limited plant diversity. The gut bacterial community was stable across 8 sites but perturbed at 2, and antibiotic resistance gene profiles varied widely. Virome analysis identified honeybee pathogens and unknown bacteriophages.

Minseo Kim, J. Cho, Hyo Min Kim · Journal of people, plants, and environment · Global

This study developed and assessed four artificial soil mixes (ASMs) using eight common materials to optimize plant growth and carbon reduction in urban green spaces. ASM_A showed comparable or superior plant growth to control soil, attributed to high organic matter and cation exchange capacity. ASM_D had the highest carbon content (27.60 wt%) for long-term sequestration but was limited in early plant growth due to lower nitrogen and phosphate.

Hue Younsun · Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture · Australia (Gold Coast)

A study analyzed six community gardens in the Gold Coast, Australia, using literature review, field observations, and interviews with managers and participants. It found that these gardens function as multifunctional platforms integrating environmental, social, and economic values, rather than solely urban agriculture sites. The findings suggest the need for integrated operational strategies for Korean community gardens.

Sara-Charlotte Cayen, Kesnamelie-Ann Outha, Pierre Paul Audate · International Journal of Environmental Health Research · North America

This narrative review synthesized the ecosystem services of urban food forests and their contributions to urban health and food sustainability in North American cities. Based on 13 studies published between 2018 and 2023, it identified that food forests provide services such as sustainable food production and climate regulation. However, their implementation faces challenges including public space governance, maintenance costs, regulatory barriers, and ecological risks like invasive species.

Julia Gobs · GAIA - Ecological Perspectives for Science and Society · Germany

This study investigated the school-based food forest project at Chestnut School in Northern Germany, using interviews and participatory methods framed by the Whole School Approach. School-based food forests contribute to holistic education for sustainable development by offering interdisciplinary, hands-on learning environments. They promote systemic thinking, agency, and self-efficacy, fostering human-nature connections, critical thinking, and sustainable food practices.

Marina Abrão Ballak Dias · Revista Andaluza de Antropología · France (Paris)

This article explored how different conceptions of human-nature relationships shaped practices in two community gardens in Paris's Goutte d’Or neighborhood. Conceptions grounded in a human–nature divide prevailed, leading to a conservationist approach. Practices stemming from this perspective were found to be in constant tension with garden goals like increasing urban biodiversity and human socialization.

Sophie Joimel, Tania DE ALMEIDA, Baptiste Grard · · Global

Urban soils are characterized by high heterogeneity and diverse source materials, leading to a wide range of physical, physicochemical, and biological properties. These soils support diverse forms of urban agriculture and can provide various ecosystem services beyond their productive function.

Elena Petelos, Danai Antonaki, Erasmia Angelaki, Christos Lemonakis, Alexandros Garefalakis · Sustainability · Global

This study explored how private sector initiatives in tourism can contribute to public health and SDG 3 through sustainable agricultural practices. Using a mixed-methods approach combining a systematic literature review and a case study, it examined how integrated strategies like pesticide-free farming reduce environmental health risks and improve nutritional quality. Findings indicate that business-led sustainability models can support systemic change when based on clear metrics and cross-sector collaboration. However, the absence of pre-2019 baseline data and direct health outcome measurements limits causal inference.

H.J. Thwaites, Jungho Suh, G.M. Coote, Melissa Nursey‐Bray, Timothy R. Cavagnaro, M.J. Salomon · Journal of Cleaner Production · Global

This systematic quantitative literature review explores urban food forests, defined as woody food-producing species in urban landscapes, identifying their realized and potential impacts across ecosystem services, food security, health, society, and culture. The research found that urban food forests are highly valued for providing local foods and medicine, as well as regulating services, and contribute to biodiversity, economic and social inclusivity, and human well-being. The review highlights urban planning and design as a central research theme and identifies a need for more quantitative research and integration into local legislation.

Mahacla Odongo, Caleb Mireri, Peter Mwangi · Environmental Technology and Science Journal · Kenya (Nairobi)

The Nairobi River riparian reserve in Kenya has undergone immense land use and land cover changes over the past 20 years due to urban development. A survey of 650 respondents revealed that urban agricultural activities dominated the upper segment at 69%, commercial ventures constituted 79% of the middle segment, and residential usage comprised 89% in the lower segment. These activities caused significant degradation from crop cultivation of river slopes, pollution infiltration, and loss of biodiversity, indicating a severe depletion of the riparian space's functions.

Rachel A. Kendall, John A Francis, Mathew R. Vankoughnett · Native Plants Journal · Canada

This study assessed sweetgrass germination and propagation for Mi’kmaq community gardens, testing seed storage, additives, dormancy methods, and seedling outplanting. Removing seed coverings and soaking seeds increased germination success up to 46%, while cold storage, biological additives, and growth enhancers showed no improvement. Organic fertilizer (7-5-0) enhanced rhizome development, synthetic fertilizer (20-20-20) led to taller leaves, and both increased leaf count.

Marcus Robinson, Jacky Bowring, Shannon Davis, Sarah Edwards · Landscape Research · Global

This narrative review explored how urban expansion at the rural-urban fringe drives the loss of productive agricultural land, biodiversity, and ecosystem services. The review examined how these competing interests can be negotiated spatially, emphasizing the role of multifunctional green infrastructure to integrate both food production and ecological function across the urban-rural continuum.

Chivers, Ruth, Laing, Olivia 1977-, British Library · · Global

Ten award-winning designers present original garden designs for public and private spaces, extending up to 50 years into the future. These designs aim to mitigate the effects of climate change, encourage biodiversity, and address issues of legacy, land ownership, changing societal needs, and individual well-being. The paper emphasizes the power of gardening to nurture nature and adapt to change.

Belma Soto-Fernández, Lurys Bourdett-Stanziola · Asian Journal of Agricultural and Horticultural Research · Latin America

A documentary review on the importance of urban gardening in Latin America revealed that urban gardening, when approached through the lens of agrobiodiversity, has become a key strategy for safe food production and environmental sustainability. However, it was found that several Latin American countries lack clear and established laws to regulate this activity. Preliminary evidence of rotavirus was detected in fresh vegetables from an urban garden in Panama, indicating that urban gardens can become infection foci capable of causing diseases of public health and veterinary importance.

Olaf Ciebiera, Paweł Czechowski, Federico Morelli, Sławomir Rubacha, Leszek Jerzak · Animals · Poland

This study investigated changes in the population size, distribution, and habitat preferences of the Eurasian magpie in Zielona Góra, Poland, over 23 years. A 2022 survey identified 953 magpie pairs, with an average density of 8.8 pairs/km2 across administrative boundaries (excluding forests) and 27.7 pairs/km2 in strictly urbanized zones. The highest densities were observed in the old town (36.5 pairs/km2) and residential blocks (34.5 pairs/km2), while peripheral areas showed significantly lower densities. Nests were predominantly located in coniferous trees, especially spruces, at a mean height of 11.8 m. Proximity to trash bins, water sources, and tall trees were significant predictors of nest density and placement.

Azemfack Jules Arnol, Mbouobda Hermann Désiré, Dobgima John Fonmboh, Muyang Rosaline Forsah, Fotso · African Journal of Biology and Medical Research · Cameroon

This study aimed to isolate and characterize Rhizobium bacteria from Phaseolus vulgaris root nodules to produce nitrogen biofertilizer as a chemical fertilizer substitute. Nodules from the University of Bamenda's school garden were used to purify and characterize Rhizobium, which were then used with charcoal powder to produce biofertilizer. Morphological characterization revealed fast-growing, translucent, mucoid, Gram-negative bacteria consistent with Rhizobium, and three concentrations of biofertilizer with a six-month shelf life were produced.