Research & reports

Gunwon Lee, Yunnam Jeong, Seongkyun Ji, Seiyong Kim · Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society · South Korea

This study aimed to improve Biotope Area Ratio (BAR) systems to address the increasing demand for urban agriculture, particularly in residential complexes where architectural and urban planning responses are lacking. It found that existing BAR systems are limited for crop cultivation because they only consider vegetation. The research proposes expanding BAR systems to include plant growth capacity factors, such as daylight, planting interval, area, and soil depth, to better accommodate urban agriculture demands.

Jong-Jin Lee, Ki Woon Chang, Ki-Pil Han, Joo-Hwa Hong, Dong‐Soek Lee, Young‐Jun Kim · 유기물 자원화 · South Korea

This study manufactured kitchen garden soil for urban agriculture and conducted a growth experiment with lettuce. Soil mixed with peatmoss, livestock manure, cocopeat, zeolite, and microbial fertilizer in a 49:35:10:5:1 ratio showed appropriate levels for pH, total nitrogen, available phosphate, cations, and salt content. In the lettuce growth experiment using this manufactured soil, leaf length increased by 21%, leaf width by 20%, chlorophyll content by 17%, and biomass by 22% compared to the control group.

심주영, 조경진 · 한국조경학회지 = Journal of Korean institute of landscape architecture · South Korea

This study aims to rediscover urban gardening as an everyday culture overlooked during urbanization. Focusing on Haebangchon, an organic urban residential area in Yongsan-dong 2-ga, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, it examines how urban gardening, in its modern sense, connects with the lives of single-family home residents to improve the physical environment and foster relationships among local residents, through understanding its characteristics and spatial features.

Widya Dwi Kharismawati · SKRIPSI Mahasiswa UM · Indonesia

This study aimed to develop an agricultural education-based learning design on the theme of urban farming to enhance 21st-century skills (creativity, digital literacy, collaboration, work ethic, and leadership) in biology students at UM Laboratory High School in Indonesia. Using the Dick, Carey, and Carey (2009) development model, learning designs and materials such as syllabi, lesson plans (RPP), supplementary textbooks, and written tests were developed. Expert and practitioner evaluations indicated high validity for the developed materials, and implementation results were also rated as high.

Jurusan Arsitektur, Fakultas Teknik, Universitas Brawijaya, Ema Yunita Titisari, Damayanti Asikin, Jurusan Arsitektur, Fakultas Teknik, Universitas Brawijaya · Review of Urbanism and Architectural Studies · Indonesia

This study examines landscape arrangement through an urban farming program as one way to address the shortage of green open space in a dense urban kampung in Malang, Indonesia. Urban farming is presented as improving both ecological quality and the visual aspect of the environment while also having potential as economic activity. For the densely populated Kampung Tembalangan, the landscape planning process proceeded through evaluation of existing conditions, analysis of potential, and consideration of alternative solutions. The results showed that the urban farming techniques practiced in the kampung can function simultaneously as architectural aesthetic elements and create space serving multiple needed functions.

권경호 · 한국생태환경건축학회 학술발표대회 논문집 · South Korea

This study aimed to support the decision of design volume for small rainwater cisterns for urban farming. Using the STORM Rainfall-Runoff Model, a computer simulation was conducted to determine optimal design capacities under specific unit catchment and farming area circumstances. The findings provide guidance for designing rainwater harvesting facilities for urban agriculture.

Etik Wulandari, Bambang Guritno, Nurul Aini · Jurnal Produksi Tanaman · Indonesia

This study in Indonesia investigated the effect of combining the number of cucumber plants per polybag and growing media composition on the growth and yield of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). A single-factor randomized block design was used, with 12 treatments and 3 replications. Results showed that combinations of 1, 2, or 3 plants per polybag with a mixed growing medium of soil, chicken manure, and sand had a significantly better effect on cucumber growth and yield components compared to other treatments.

Yoo Mi Ha, Dong Yeob Kim, Dong Kyu Hwang, Kwang Sik Min · Journal of the Korea Society of Environmental Restoration Technology · South Korea

This study investigated the growth responses of eight medicinal plants, including Glehnia littoralis, Cryptotaenia japonica, Angelica gigas, Reynoutria japonica, Saururus chinensis, Houttuynia cordata, Ligularia fischeri, and Aralia cordata, under 70% shading and full sunlight conditions on a rooftop using artificial soil. Glehnia littoralis, Cryptotaenia japonica, Ligularia fischeri, Saururus chinensis, and Houttuynia cordata showed better growth under full sunlight, with Glehnia littoralis, Reynoutria japonica, Houttuynia cordata, and Ligularia fischeri exhibiting low stress under full sunlight in August. While 70% shading was effective for Angelica gigas, Reynoutria japonica, and Aralia cordata, Angelica gigas and Reynoutria japonica grew better under full sunlight during summer.

Znang Chen · · China (Beijing)

Balcony agriculture in Chaoyang, Beijing, is a major application direction for urban agricultural technology innovation, effectively promoting urban-rural integration and forming an important part of cultural creativity.

원선이 · 한국화예디자인학연구 · South Korea

The Gyeonggi-do Agricultural Research & Extension Services in South Korea created a vegetable garden to provide urban agriculture activists with rational methods for rooftop garden creation and crop cultivation guidelines. Over two years, 201 plant materials were collected and studied, with 170 ultimately selected. Selected edible plants included 48 vegetable species, 9 fruit tree species, and 11 field crop species, while ornamental plants included 40 flower species, 23 herb species, 16 sedum and sedge species, and 23 woody species. Four planting models—box, tunnel, wall, and mobile box types—were also developed based on the growth characteristics and uses of the collected plant materials.

Li Fei · Beijing Linye Daxue xuebao · China (Beijing)

This paper analyzes the connotation and principles of humanized design for residential community gardens, using Beijing Langqinyuan Community in Xicheng District as an example. It explains the application of humanized design concepts to aspects such as road networks, waterscapes, public spaces, leisure facilities, lighting, identification, and planting within a residential community garden. The study also discusses the expression methods of humanized design.

남윤철 · · South Korea

The Ecovillage 'Sanneoul' in Seocheon-gun, South Korea, was developed for urban dwellers returning to rural areas and to prevent rural population decline. The village incorporates ecological elements such as rainwater recycling, rooftop gardens, and ecological sewage disposal plants, and residents utilize sunlight and solar heat systems, garbage recycling, and pellet boilers. While residents are content with the village's ecological elements, significant dissimilarities among residents in age, profession, and previous living environments pose an obstacle to community maintenance.

Chen Hui-fan · Anhui nongye kexue · China (Zhengzhou)

This article analyzes the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) model in Zhengzhou and proposes a new Chinese-style CSA model, "daughter-in-law in the city, her husband outside the city," inspired by roof vegetable gardens. This model is presented as beneficial for organic agriculture development and urban roof greening, offering a mutually beneficial practice for combining roof greening and agriculture. It is described as a green economy approach that promotes ecological environment protection and urban-rural economic development.

Seunghwan Kim, Sung-Yung Yoon, Min-Jun Cha, Hae-Jin Yoo, Ji‐Young Cho, Yoon‐Sun Kim · Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture · South Korea

This study investigated the planning, construction, partnership, and cost-sharing processes of an experimental rooftop community garden at a disabled welfare house in South Korea. The project, led by Busan Green Trust and a citizens' council, involved funding from Standard Chartered SC First Bank, volunteers, and administrative support. The established garden provided food production, urban agriculture experience, horticultural therapy, and cultural space for users, demonstrating the potential for low-cost rooftop community gardens to improve urban environments and foster community.

Won Jei Park, Kyung Hwan Han, Soon Hyo Kwon, Mi Ok Park, Bon Hak Koo · Journal of the Korea Society of Environmental Restoration Technology · South Korea

This study investigated optimal soil-plant combinations for urban agriculture by analyzing herbaceous plant growth in different soil types. Four commercial soils (A, B, C, D) and granite soil (E, control) were tested with fruit, leafy, and medicinal vegetables. Fruit and leafy vegetables generally grew best in D-type soil mixture and A-type soil, and poorest in control E-type soil. 'Chrysanthemum zawadskii var. latilobum' grew best in D, B, C mixed soils and A-type soil, while 'Liriope platyphylla F. T. Wang & T. Tang' showed insignificant growth differences across soils.

Minjae Kong, Kwang-Lai Park, Jin-Kwan Son, Ji-Hoon Shin · Journal of the Korea Society of Environmental Restoration Technology · South Korea (Seoul)

This study investigated the characteristics of rooftop gardens (farms) in 40 areas in Seoul, Korea. Cabbage, lettuce, pepper, and mini-tomatoes were the most preferred vegetables and fruits. Problems observed in rooftop gardens during cultivation included drainage systems, soil management, the cost or quality of planting mats, and diseases and insects.

Bayani M. Espiritu · Journal of the International Society for Southeast Asian Agricultural Sciences · Asia

This study investigated the effects of microbially inoculated compost on mungbean and pechay growth in container media. Compost from coconut coir dust and chicken manure was inoculated with nitrogen-fixing bacteria (Azotobacter sp.) and/or cellulolytic fungi (Trichoderma harzianum). Mungbean plants supplied with uninoculated compost showed the lowest fresh biomass and nodule count, while compost with combined Azotobacter sp. and T. harzianum inoculation significantly increased fresh biomass and nodule numbers in mungbean, and showed similar positive results for pechay.

Hongyuan Li · Bulletin of Soil and Water Conservation · China (Tianjin)

An investigation of wild flowers in urban areas of Tianjin City was conducted from 2005 to 2010. The study examined the ecological habits, life forms, and distribution of each species, identifying six distinct distribution patterns: single, linear, scattered, assembled, radial, and climbing. Following an analysis of these patterns' characteristics, the potential use of these wild flowers in urban gardening was discussed.

陈百如 · 上海蔬菜 · China

The project's implementing entity is Hangzhou Dingyi Agricultural Development Co., Ltd., recognized as a leading agricultural enterprise of Xiaoshan District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, a Zhejiang provincial pollution-free production base, a Hangzhou urban agriculture demonstration park, and one of the district's "top-100 urban demonstration" agriculture parks. The company operates 92 hectares, of which 77.2 hectares are under cultivation and 14.8 hectares are usable water surface for aquaculture. Its Dingyi-brand watermelon, fresh soybean, and cabbage hold national A-grade green food certification, and its Dingyi-brand fresh corn, scallion, and cauliflower hold national pollution-free product certification.

허북구, 박윤점, 오대민, 박종수, 윤숙영, 조자용 · · South Korea

This study developed marketing techniques for mugwort seedlings for urban agriculture and horticultural therapy in South Korea. Researchers examined mugwort amounts needed for various uses, harvest times and yields by seedling type and container size, and seedling quality under marketing conditions. Findings showed that one-year-old rhizomes had the shortest harvest time (25 days) and highest yield (13.2g per plant) at first harvest, and seedling quality did not decrease after 3 days of cold marketing.

Lin Ma · Xibu linye kexue · China (Kunming)

A study on the seedling stage adaptability of 8 Magnoliaceae species was conducted in Chenggong county, Yunnan province, from 2004 to 2009. Results from five years of seedling raising indicated that Woonyoungia septentrionalis, Michelia ingrata, and Manglietia grandis were not adapted to Chenggong and died in frost. Michelia velutina showed very significant differences in height and basal diameter growth compared to other species, leading to its evaluation as the top choice for urban gardening and greening in Kunming city, followed by Manglietia maguanica and Michelia lacei.

이양주 · · South Korea

This paper proposes a promotion plan for urban agriculture in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, in response to increasing interest and existing initiatives in other cities like Seoul, Incheon, Gwangmyeong, and Suwon. While Seoul has an ordinance, its implementation system is underdeveloped, and Incheon's private sector-led efforts face land acquisition limits. The plan suggests establishing a public-private network centered around the Gyeonggi Agricultural Research & Extension Services' urban agriculture team, collaborating with other regional organizations to conduct research, technology development, education, and pilot projects, with specific roles and timelines for 2010.

김진환 · 대한건축학회지회연합회 학술발표대회논문집 · South Korea

A literature review and questionnaire survey were conducted to analyze the implementation of urban agriculture utilizing idle land in cities. It was found that citizens use various types of urban agriculture for healthy hobbies and small-scale food production, and the demand for urban agriculture using idle land is increasing. Both public sectors, centered on local governments, and private sectors are implementing various urban agriculture projects, and it was concluded that the government needs to provide administrative assistance for further utilization of idle land.

Jin-Woo Choi, Hag-Kee Kim, Kyong-Jae Lee, Hyun-Kyung Kang · Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture · South Korea

This study analyzed the economics and growth characteristics of native and imported ground cover plants in a new shallow soil rooftop gardening method, using 13cm soil thickness, on the rooftop of the Korean National Housing Corporation. The new method cost 45,000 won/m², which was 50% less expensive than existing methods. Native ground cover plants and some imported species showed increased cover rate, live weight, and dry weight, with improved growth, though some species required weed maintenance.

Duan Yuan-gu · · China

This study analyzed community outdoor environment spaces, focusing on deficiencies in current community garden design. Drawing from traditional Chinese housing psychology, it summarized the necessity of community private spaces and proposed design techniques.