Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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Critical findings
301 results(11 / 13)
Municipal solid waste composts as organic inputs in vegetable gardening cropping systems in Mahajanga, Madagascar. [P141]
2015Tovonarivo Rafolisy, Heriniaina Ramahefarison, Dominique Massé · · Madagascar (Mahajanga)
Two experiments in Mahajanga, Madagascar, compared municipal solid waste (MSW) composts with conventional organic inputs (poultry or pig manure) in leaf cropping systems over two three-month seasons. MSW composts resulted in yields higher than pig manure and urea, and similar to poultry manure. However, monitoring soil mineral nitrogen levels revealed significant accumulation under certain conditions, indicating a possible source of environmental pollution by nitrates.
CompostOrganic cyclePeri-urban agricultureО перспективах применения растительной земли на основе компостов из древесно-растительных остатков в городском озеленении
2015А А Золотаревский, И И Прокопович · Лесной вестник / Forestry bulletin · Russia (Moscow)
This article explores the potential of composts made from woody-plant waste (WPW) as an alternative to expensive organic additives for urban gardening in Moscow. It suggests that composting WPW can provide a cost-effective solution for preparing fertile soil, which is crucial for plant survival in urban environments. Modern composting technologies allow for the mechanization of WPW composting, producing vegetable earth suitable for planting trees.
CompostOrganic cyclePolicyEconomicsUrban food systems
2015J.S.C. Wiskerke · · Global
This chapter focuses on urban food supplies and the challenges of managing waste flows from urban households and markets in developing countries. Large amounts of municipal solid waste, human excreta, and wastewater are produced, most of which end up in non-engineered landfills or pollute the urban environment. It is noted that these wastes pollute the urban environment, especially in low-income countries with less developed sanitation infrastructure.
Environmental trade-offsOrganic cycleCompostFood lossHealthGreenhouse gas emissions from home composting in practice
2014Ermolaev E., Sundberg C., Pell M., Jönsson H. · Bioresource Technology · Sweden
Measures CH4, N2O and NH3 emissions from home composts in practice in Sweden; methane emissions were lower than in large-scale systems and increased with temperature and mixing.
DIYCompostEffets de l’apport de produits résiduaires organiques sur le stockage de carbone, les émissions de gaz à effet de serre et la lixiviation du nitrate dans les sols agricoles périurbains
2014Emmanuelle Vaudour, Christine Aubry, Liliane Bel, Laëtitia Bréchet, Philippe Cambier, Yves Coquet, Karim Dhaouadi, Veronique V. Etievant, Benoît Gabrielle, Jean-Marc J.-M. Gilliot, Jean Christophe Gueudet, Dalila Hadjar, Jonas Hamiache, Sabine Houot, Christophe Labat, Patricia Laville, Raia Silvia Massad, Joël Michelin, Paul Emile Noirot Cosson, Jean-Noël Rampon · HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe) · France
The PROSTOCK project aimed to spatially assess the potential of recycling organic waste (exogenous organic matter, EOM) to improve soil organic carbon stocks (SCS) in peri-urban agricultural areas. It also evaluated the impacts of EOM use on greenhouse gas emissions and nitrate leaching. The Versailles Plain and Alluets Plateau (221 km²) were chosen as the study region, with field and lab measurements collected from over 250 point locations. The project advanced the use of imaging data for estimating topsoil organic carbon content (SOC) from soil reflectance spectra, but found that medium spatial resolution multispectral satellite images do not discriminate changes in SOC resulting from EOM applications.
Organic cycleCompostClimate changePeri-urban agricultureEvaluation of bokashi fermentation leachate as a biofertilizer in urban horticulture
2014Olle Lind · · Sweden (Malmö)
This study tested bokashi fermentation leachate from four food waste sources in Malmö and Lund, Sweden, on pak choi in sand, garden waste compost, and peat substrates to evaluate its potential as a biofertilizer in urban farming. The leachates were generally low in nitrogen, leading to poor plant growth in nitrogen-poor substrates, though they were high in potassium and phosphorus. Avoidable food waste contained higher sodium and chloride than unavoidable food waste, suggesting unavoidable food waste is a more suitable source for bokashi leachate fertilizer.
CompostOrganic cycleDIYAssessing supply-demand balance of nitrogen toward local-scale organic material circulation: a case studyof suburban residential district in Metro Manila
2014Yuki Sampei, Yuji Hara, Akinobu Murakami, Armand PALIJON, Kazuaki Tsuchiya, Makoto Yokohari · Journal of The Japanese Institute of Landscape Architecture · Philippines (Metro Manila)
The nitrogen supply-demand balance in compost and vegetable production on vacant lots in suburban residential districts of Quezon City, Metro Manila, was assessed. Analysis revealed that almost half of the subdivisions faced nitrogen oversupply, while several were in short supply. Current centralized composting facilities may not adequately support a continuous compost recycling system due to their distribution patterns. It was proposed that existing barangay-based policies on organic waste management and urban agriculture require greater flexibility and attention to coordination systems across subdivision boundaries.
Governance failureCompostOrganic cyclePolicyPeri-urban agricultureSustaining Sustainability: a Management Plan for ACRES Student Farm
2014Sarah Legg · Figshare · United States (Wyoming)
ACRES Student Farm, a University of Wyoming organization, has grown significantly over six years, providing local produce, CSA shares, composting, and educational opportunities. However, the farm suffers from continuous losses in efficiency and acquired knowledge due to the transient nature of its student management and workforce, leading to unsustainable internal functioning. This project aims to develop a management plan and handbook to address these issues and improve the farm's operational efficiency.
Governance failureCSA & TeikeiCompostFood educationCommunityメトロマニラ郊外部を対象とした有機性廃棄物の地域内循環実現可能性
2014Yuki Sampei, Yuji Hara, Akinobu Murakami, Armando M. Palijon, Kazuaki Tsuchiya, Makoto Yokohari · Institutional Repositories DataBase (IRDB) · Philippines
This study assessed the nitrogen supply-demand balance in compost and vegetable production on vacant lots in subdivisions and barangays in Quezon City, Metro Manila, using GIS. It found that nearly half of the subdivisions experienced nitrogen oversupply, while others faced shortages. Although cooperation among subdivisions within a barangay could improve nitrogen balance, the current centralized composting facilities were deemed insufficient to support a continuous compost recycling system due to their distribution patterns. The study concluded that current barangay-based policies on organic waste management and urban agriculture need greater flexibility and attention to inter-subdivision coordination across barangay boundaries.
Governance failureCompostOrganic cyclePolicyPeri-urban agricultureCharacterization of municipal waste in Kampala, Uganda
2014Allan John Komakech, Noble Banadda, Joel R. Kinobe, Levi Kasisira, Cecilia Sundberg, Girma Gebresenbet, Björn Vinnerås · Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association · Uganda (Kampala)
A study characterized municipal waste in Kampala, Uganda, from July 2011 to June 2012, analyzing waste delivered to Kiteezi landfill during dry and wet months. Waste was sorted, weighed, and organic samples were analyzed for nutrients and energy content. Findings showed that organic waste constituted 88.5% in wet months and 94.8% in dry months, with an average moisture content of 71.1% and significant nutrient levels. The organic waste was concluded to be a suitable source of plant nutrients for urban agriculture, with characterization results differing from other Sub-Saharan African cities.
CompostOrganic cycleEconomicsDecentralised Sanitation and Energy Reuse in the Built Environment
2014Guang Zhao · Applied Mechanics and Materials · Global
This paper presents a concept for building-integrated decentralized technologies for wastewater and organic waste treatment with energy and nutrient recovery, termed a "sustainable implant," for deep green housing districts. It explores the potentials of integrating solutions for energy and sanitation flows near their origin, linking sanitation to energy and food production. The system layout and dimensioning are explained, noting scale limitations and its application in a unique intentional community, with no other similar urban district-scale projects found worldwide.
Organic cycleCompostClimate changeSustainable urban agriculture and the adoption of composts in Cameroon
2013Sotamenou J., Parrot L. · International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability · Cameroon (Yaoundé, Bafoussam)
A survey of 242 urban farmers in Yaoundé and Bafoussam found that 36% adopted compost (alone or mixed with inorganic fertilizers), with compost uptake driven by fertilizer expenditure, vegetable production scale, land ownership, and farm distance. The study provides policy insights for sustainable soil management in Cameroonian urban agriculture.
CompostOrganic cycleEconomicsCommunityDomestic scale vermicomposting for solid waste management
2013· International Journal of Recycling of Organic Waste in Agriculture · Global
Investigates domestic-scale vermicomposting as a low-cost, low-maintenance option for managing household solid organic waste by converting kitchen waste into worm castings.
DIYCompostOrganic cycleThe effect of different percentages of bulking agent (sawdust) on microbial quality of faecal sludge
2013Peter Yaw Mensah, Richard Amankwah Kuffour, Philip Kweku Baidoo, E. Awuah · Water Science & Technology · Global
A bench-scale study evaluated the effect of dewatering faecal sludge (FS) mixed with different percentages of sawdust on its microbial quality. The dewatered FS-sawdust mixture showed a significant reduction in bacterial content and helminth eggs, rendering the biosolids safe for agricultural use. Pathogen removal was highest with 150% sawdust and lowest in the 0% sawdust control.
Organic cycleHealthCompostDesenvolvimento do milheto sob adubação orgânica no município de Corrente - PI Development of organic manure on millet in the city Corrente-PI
2012Alisson Amorim da Silva, Sammy Sidney, Rocha Matías, Rafaela Ribeiro de Souza, Roberto Lustosa Silva, Júlio César Azevedo Nóbrega · · Brazil
The effect of different percentages of cattle manure (0%, 20%, 40%, and 60%) on millet development was evaluated in a greenhouse at the community garden of Corrente city hall, Brazil. The percentage of cattle manure significantly affected the number of leaves, plant height, shoot dry mass, and main root length. A manure dose equivalent to 40% of the total substrate volume was found to provide nutrient amounts closer to the ideal for achieving maximum efficiency in millet's physical variables.
CompostCommunityEvaluation of Different Soil Media and Soil Ameliorants in Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Miller), Green Onion (Allium sativum) and Pechay (Brassica rapa L.)
2012Jenny Calabio, Ma. Luisa Albacete · WVSU Research Journal · Philippines (Iloilo City)
This study, conducted from July 2007 to July 2008 at the Urban Agriculture Demonstration Site in La Paz, Iloilo City, evaluated soil media and ameliorants for container-grown green onion, pechay, and tomato. Pure compost was found to be the best medium for increasing yields. However, the use of IMO and rice hull as soil ameliorants did not increase yields for the three tested vegetables, and rice hull generally reduced pechay yields.
Limited or null effectCompostDIYWelfareHealthEconomics11072 - Instalação de hortas orgânicas em escolas públicas de ensino fundamental e médio de Solânea, PB
2012Germano Laurentino da Cunha, Adriana Celi Alves Martins, Maria José Araújo Wanderley, Raunira da Costa Araújo, Terezinha Domiciano Dantas Martins, Francisca Alexandre de Lima · Cadernos de Agroecologia · Brazil (Solânea)
This project aimed to establish organic vegetable gardens in public elementary and high schools in Solânea, Paraíba, Brazil. Funded by CNPq, the initiative involved installing 14 garden beds with various vegetables in each participating school. Students received mini-courses on organic vegetable production, and participated in making compost and biofertilizers. The target audience demonstrated receptiveness and support for the work.
Food educationCommunityCompostOrganic cycleEnvironmental science in middle school curricula: A Pilot project in the Dominican Republic
2012L. Gómez Tejeda · RIT Scholar Works (Rochester Institute of Technology) · Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic's public investment in education was 2% of GNP in 2010, falling below UNESCO's 6% minimum. This pilot project, conducted at The Community for Learning School (TCFL) in the Dominican Republic during the 2011-2012 school year, enhanced 5th-8th grade science curricula with four activities: composting, a school garden, a garbage project, and an energy audit. While the school garden and composting project improved student motivation for group work and left a positive perception of environmentally friendly practices, knowledge gain about their environmental benefits was not as expected.
Food educationCompostCommunityAssessing and managing soil quality for urban agriculture in Ohio
2012Josh Beniston · The Knowledge Bank (The Ohio State University) · United States (Ohio)
An experiment on assessing and managing soil quality for urban agriculture was conducted during the 2011 and 2012 growing seasons on demolished vacant urban lots in Youngstown, Ohio. Soil compaction was identified as a primary constraint, with high bulk density values of 1.79 g cm⁻³ for in-ground plots and 1.55 g cm⁻³ for raised beds. Crop yield data from 2011 showed that both compost-amended and compost + biochar-amended plots had significantly greater crop yields than control plots, with compost + biochar plots achieving the highest harvest index values.
Contamination & food safetyOrganic cycleCompostHealthDesenvolvimento do milheto sob adubação orgânica no município de Corrente, PI
2012Alisson Amorim da Silva Aguiar, Sammy Sidney Rocha Matías, Ribeiro Sousa, Rafaela, Roberto Lustosa Silva, Júlio César Azevedo Nóbrega · Dialnet (Universidad de la Rioja) · Brazil (Corrente)
This study evaluated the development of pearl millet on soils with different levels of manure in Corrente, Piauí, Brazil. Conducted in a greenhouse, the experiment used a completely randomized design with four manure percentages (0%, 20%, 40%, 60%) and three replications. Cattle manure significantly affected the number of leaves, plant height, shoot dry mass, and main root length, with the 40% manure dose showing nutrient levels closest to ideal for maximum efficiency.
CompostOrganic cycleCommunityContenido de metales pesados en abonos orgánicos, sustratos y plantas cultivadas en organopónicos
2012Mirelys Rodríguez Alfaro, Olegário Muñiz Ugarte, Bernardo Calero Martín, A. Álvarez, Francisco Martínez Rodríguez, Teudys Limeres Jiménez, Mercedes Orphee Montoya, Adriana M. de Aguilar Accioly · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Cuba
This study evaluated the heavy metal content of Cadmium, Lead, and Nickel in organic fertilizers (composts from urban solid waste) and substrates, and their effect on vegetables grown in organoponics in Havana and Guantánamo, Cuba. Composts obtained from unsorted urban solid waste and the substrates prepared from them were found to contain heavy metals, especially Cadmium and Lead, above maximum permissible limits. It was concluded that these products should not be used for food production, as these metals translocate to the edible parts of the cultivated vegetables.
Contamination & food safetyHealthOrganic cycleCompostAnálisis de las características técnicas y sociales asociadas a procesos de compostaje comunitario: Estudio de caso en el huerto urbano comunitario L'Hortet del Forat y sistematización de la experiencia
2012Javier Varona Espallargas · RECAM Metropolitan Knowledge Repository · Spain (Barcelona)
This study analyzes community self-composting at the L'Hortet del Forat urban community garden in Barcelona, Spain. It aims to assess the potential for waste prevention and management, and to identify the social characteristics of users engaging in this practice.
CompostCommunityOrganic cycleUtilising Agricultural Waste To Enhance Food Security And Conserve TheEnvironment
2012E.N. Sabiiti · · Uganda
This paper reviews how agricultural wastes can be utilized to enhance food security and conserve the environment, focusing on developing countries like Uganda. In Kampala, over 1000mt of waste accumulate daily, with only 30% collected. The study highlights that these organic wastes, rich in nutrients, can serve as a bio-resource for smallholder farmers to improve soil nutrient status and crop yields, such as vegetables and maize, and enhance milk production. This approach also reduces environmental pollution and poverty.
Food sovereignty & justiceOrganic cycleCompostInfluência de composto orgânico nas características físico-químicas de cenoura "Brasília" no município de Petrolina
2011Ácacio Figueirêdo Neto, Silvana Belém de Oliveira, Marcos Santos Lima, Mariana Rocha Amorim, Raquel Mota Figueiredo · Revista Semiárido De Visu · Brazil (Petrolina)
This study evaluated the effect of organic compost on the cultivation of "Brasília" carrots and their post-harvest characteristics in a community garden in Petrolina, Brazil. Experiments used compost made from 40% cured goat manure and 60% plant residues. Carrots were harvested 92 days after sowing and analyzed for moisture, soluble solids, titratable acidity, carotenoids, and pulp firmness. Statistical analysis showed significant differences in key physicochemical characteristics between treatments, suggesting organic compost is a promising tool for maintaining carrot quality and nutritional content post-harvest.
CompostCommunityOrganic cycleChemical and microbial properties of farmer’s field soils fertilized with municipal solid wastes without pretreatment in the peri-urban zone of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
2011Eckhard Hein, TW Kabore, A. Bilgo, SN Sall, Dominique Massé · International Journal of Biological and Chemical Sciences · Burkina Faso (Ouagadougou)
This study evaluated the impact of untreated municipal solid waste (MSW) on soil properties in peri-urban agricultural fields near Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Soils receiving MSW for 7 to 20 years showed up to a two-fold increase in carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus content, with older fields having higher increases. While microbial biomass was significantly higher in MSW-fertilized soils, microbial activity and catabolic diversity were not significantly different.
Peri-urban agricultureCompostOrganic cycleFood sovereignty & justice