Research & reports

Kushal Sachan, Anshul Saxena, Suneel Kumar, Abhishekh Mishra, Archana Verma, Divyanshi Tiwari, Anil Kumar · Journal of Diversity Studies · Global

This article provides an overview of the importance of urban soil health monitoring and its improvement strategies. It highlights that urban soils may harbor diverse contaminants from industrial activities, vehicular emissions, and improper waste disposal, posing risks to human health and ecosystem functioning. Implementing effective monitoring protocols using soil testing kits, remote sensing, and citizen science is crucial, while phytoremediation, composting, biochar application, green infrastructure, urban forestry, and community gardens are suggested as improvement strategies.

Géant Basimine Chuma, Jean M. Mondo, Adrien Byamungu Ndeko, Etienne M. Akuzibwe, Espoir Mukengere Bagula, Gustave Nachigera Mushagalusa · Discover Sustainability · Democratic Republic of Congo (Bukavu City)

This study investigated the quantity, composition, and disposal practices of domestic waste in Bukavu City, Eastern D.R. Congo. Findings revealed significant challenges in waste management infrastructure and practices, showing that approximately 5% of waste undergoes composting, while 10% is used as livestock feed, 66% incinerated, and 17% buried. Waste management is primarily handled by children (82%), with very limited involvement from non-governmental organizations.

Dwi Haryanta, Tatuk Tojibatus Sa’adah, Indarwati Indarwati · Jurnal Ilmiah Pertanian · Indonesia (Surabaya)

This study in Surabaya City, Indonesia, used a qualitative descriptive approach to characterize the composting process and compost from recycling centers. Composting materials included household waste, market refuse, and fall foliage, processed in an open aerobic system without bio-activators. Chemical analysis showed C/N ratio (17.10-19.60), C-total (17.65%-18.10%), and N-total (0.95%-1.12%), among other elements. While visually mature, indicators such as C/N ratio and temperature suggested an immature state, rendering the compost unsuitable for immediate planting; storage for a minimum of one month was recommended for maturation.

Holger Braun, Dorothee Apfel, Benedikt Rilling, Carsten Herbes · Cleaner and Responsible Consumption · Germany

A study with 44 hobby gardeners in Germany found that substrates are not a major part of gardeners' social interactions, and price is the dominant purchase criterion for substrates, with sustainability not playing an important role. Although basic knowledge about peat is widespread, purchasing substrates is a utility-driven process with mostly passive information behavior.

· Diva portal (Dalarna University Library) · Global

"Compost-o-Scene" is an installation created with the ÖK Allotment Garden, featuring microbe compost developed under Jenny Salmson's guidance and daily care by "Compost Turners." The installation includes Salmson's compost recipe and care instructions, Malin Lobell's microscope photographs and screen-printed workwear, and Janna Holmstedt's video fieldnotes and soundscape, alongside tools and an art publication.

Soo-Young Moon, Dae-Hee Jang · KIEAE Journal · South Korea

This study investigated whether green roof soil, originally artificial, could evolve into natural soil suitable for urban agriculture over time. Researchers analyzed the composition of rooftop greening soil from a 20-year-old testbed at KICT in South Korea. The analysis revealed that the rooftop greening soil had gradually transformed into natural soil, confirming that long-term maintained rooftop greening on artificial grounds can evolve into an environment quantitatively similar to natural soil.

Nur Dinie Syahirah Sanusi, Fadhlina Che Ros, Siti Zulaikha Ngah Demon, Ismayadi Ismail, Imad Hamadneh · Journal of Advanced Research Design · Malaysia

This mini-review discusses the extensive use of AB mix nutrients in Malaysian urban farming, noting their role in high yields but also their contribution to significant environmental pollution when overused. Although a survey of local entrepreneurs showed most complied with guidelines for chili plants, intensive use of fertilizers leads to nutrient leaching into the soil, causing environmental pollution and affecting humans, livestock, and microbial life. The review emphasizes the need for controlled nutrient application to prevent soil degradation and groundwater contamination.

Abila Hena Anayet, Meor Mohammad Hilmi Bin Hamzah, Mohamed Zuhaili Mohamed Najib · Civil and Sustainable Urban Engineering · Global

This study investigated factors affecting compost maturity, specifically temperature, pH, and moisture content, by comparing breakdown rates of eight regulated combinations against an uncontrolled sample. The analysis showed that volume loss over time was critical for determining compost maturity. Combinations with high temperature and varying moisture/pH (High Temp, High Moisture, Low pH; High Temp, Low Moisture, High pH; High Temp, Low Moisture, Low pH) exhibited the most volume loss by day 46, indicating faster maturation than the uncontrolled group.

Lintar Brillian Pintakami, Alia Fibrianingtyas, Tatiek Koerniawati A, Rizka Amalia, Maulana Muhamad Sulaiman, Steven Gerrard Christoffel Hermawanto, Daniyah Nabila Riyanti Putri · Indonesian Collaboration Journal of Community Services (ICJCS) · Indonesia

This study focused on utilizing non-domestic waste, such as coconut husks, used paper, and wood, as base materials for kokedama. It involved collecting waste from local communities, processing it into kokedama planting media, and providing training on kokedama techniques. The training was shown to reduce waste volume, empower participants with new skills, and increase their potential income, thereby improving economic and social well-being.

Marjan Barani · Медицинский журнал Западного Казахстана · Global

This literature review investigated the multifaceted role of environmental education (EE) in enhancing human health by improving physical activity, promoting sustainable behaviors, and fostering psychological well-being. It indicated that integrating EE into school curricula, such as through outdoor classrooms and school gardens, increases physical activity levels and improves physical health outcomes. EE programs focusing on organic farming and local food systems influence participants’ dietary choices, and initiatives reducing plastic use contribute to lower environmental pollution.

Md. Khalilur Rahman, Md Alauddin, Tamanna Tabassum Turna, Md. Kaisar Rahman · Journal of Biodiversity Conservation and Bioresource Management · Bangladesh

A pot experiment on a Charfasson town rooftop in Bhola, Bangladesh, assessed the effects of inorganic fertilizers and decomposed poultry litter on boro rice growth and yield. Eight treatments with three replications were used, measuring agronomic parameters every 30 days and yield after harvest. Treatment T7 (3.0 t poultry litter ha-1 + N100P25K90 kg ha-1) resulted in the highest plant height (82.67 cm at 90 days), leaf number (37.67 at 120 days), panicle length (27.17 cm), grains per panicle (153.33), rice yield (51.53 g/pot or 5.67 t ha-1), and B:C ratio (4.51). Treatments T7 and T8 showed statistically identical results, with T7 achieving the overall best performance.

Geneviève S. Metson, Karin Tonderski, Elizabeth Carlsson · · Sweden (Linköping)

This document accompanies an art and science collaborative exhibit exploring how urban agriculture can contribute to sustainable resource flows to support food production, recreation, and water quality.

Diana Elinos, M. Carolina Cruz, Andrea Loyo del Castillo, Mar Zamora, Grecia Karime Yebra Peralta, José Gabriel Reyes Fernández · Memorias del Concurso Lasallista de Investigación Desarrollo e innovación · Global

This study analyzed the impact of inorganic pesticides, highlighting their potential mutagenic and carcinogenic effects and negative impact on biodiversity, water, and soil contamination. It proposed a methodology for creating an organic pesticide and presented results on its efficacy in pest control. The study concluded that inorganic pesticides pose significant risks, while organic pesticides offer a safe and effective alternative, and emphasized the need to prioritize organic solutions in agriculture.

Anna Grichting Solder · · Qatar

This chapter presents insights on urban agriculture and the food-water-energy-waste nexus in the Middle East and drylands, drawing from seven years of experience in teaching, research, and stakeholder engagement at Qatar University. The arid climate, scarcity of freshwater and fertile land, and the need to reduce non-renewable energy use necessitate designing circular, integrated systems for maximum resource efficiency. The Living Laboratory at Qatar University and urban agriculture plans developed with students, researchers, and communities illustrate these integrative and regenerative approaches for resilient landscapes in Qatar and the Gulf region.

Qingyue Zeng, Kevin Lam, Autumn Salcedo, Rohan V. Tikekar, Shirley A. Micallef, Ryan A. Blaustein · Journal of Food Protection · United States (Washington D.C.)

This study explored the impacts of biological soil amendments of animal origin (BSAAOs) on antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria in leafy vegetable production environments across seven urban farms and community gardens in the Washington D.C. area. Amended plots showed significantly higher concentrations of total heterotrophic bacteria than bulk soil, which was associated with reduced fractions of tetracycline-resistant bacteria and case-specific trends for reduced ampicillin-resistant bacteria and coliforms. Soil pH positively correlated with tetracycline-resistant bacteria in amended soils, suggesting pH-targeting management strategies could control related risks.

Olivia Damayanti Putri, Sutini Sutini, Hadi Suhardjono · Jurnal Agroqua Media Informasi Agronomi dan Budidaya Perairan · Indonesia

This research investigated the effect of nanosilica addition on red rice growth and yield using a factorial randomized block design with two varieties (Pamera, Pamelen) and five nanosilica concentrations. Applying nanosilica colloid at 15 mL L-1 to Pamera and Pamelen varieties increased plant length and tiller number, and accelerated flowering age. However, nanosilica had no effect on harvest age and yield components.

Atiqullah Sarwari, Abdieva Guljamal, Abdul-Bari Hejran, Mohammad Hassan Hassand · Bulletin of Toraighyrov University Chemistry & Biology series · Global

This study aimed to accurately measure soil quality parameters through the application of manure compost and bacteria fertilizers or their combination during maize development, in order to establish a quick and effective method for repairing deteriorated farmland soils. The research investigated the dynamic effects on the variety of community structure, basal respiration, and microbial count and biomass in soil.

Bárbara Rios Lacerda, Rafael Sanginez Zebalos Lourenço, Aleffy Helberty Alves da Silva, Ana Cláudia Barroso · Revista Ibero-Americana de Humanidades, Ciências e Educação · Brazil (Porto Velho)

This experience report details the implementation of a sustainable vertical community garden and a composting system at a municipal school in Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil, as part of the "Urban and Community Gardens: Cultivating Connections" project. The project aimed to provide food and food education, promote practical skills, environmental awareness, and healthy eating habits for students. Despite difficulties such as finding new locations and shortened deadlines, which limited contact with students and the local community, the project successfully established a sustainable garden for community consumption and environmental education for those involved.

Mutiawati Mandaka, Sharfina Bella Pahleva Wahyono, Tri Susetyo Andadari, Gatoet Wardianto · Manfaat Jurnal Pengabdian Pada Masyarakat Indonesia · Indonesia (Semarang)

An urban farming program was implemented in Pakintelan Village, Gunungpati District, Semarang, Indonesia, to address food security challenges and improve local economic welfare by utilizing limited urban land. This program involved UNPAND KKN students providing training and mentoring in farming techniques, organic pest management, and compost use, aiming to increase community participation in agricultural activities and understanding of sustainable practices. The program successfully increased community participation, maintained environmental sustainability, and contributed to the economy through the potential use of harvests for consumption or sale.

Abrham Kassa Ejigu, Kumelachew Yeshitela · Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems · Ethiopia

This study assessed factors influencing urban farmers’ intentions to adopt excreta-based organic fertilizers in Arba Minch City, Ethiopia, using the Combined Model of Theory of Planned Behavior and Technology Acceptance Model (C-TPB-TAM). Data was collected via surveys from urban farmers. Findings indicate that attitudes, perceived behavioral control, perceived usefulness, and perceived ease of use significantly affect farmers’ intentions. However, the subjective norm did not significantly affect farmers’ intentions.

Chiara Tornaghi · ˜The œGeojournal library · Global

This chapter, based on 15 years of research, discusses key issues hindering urban agriculture from reaching its full potential for human and non-human health. It highlights shortcomings in urban planning policy, specifically the failure to recognize urban agriculture as food production, the invisibility of soil and lack of understanding of living soils, and the disregard for the advisory role of soil care and food production specialists in public land design and soil management. The chapter suggests that agroecological considerations can deepen urban agriculture's ambition in public spaces.

Nicolás Carrasco-Astudillo, Kàtia Gaspar, Marta Gangolells, Miquel Casals · Journal of Building Engineering · Global

This paper develops a method to evaluate the integration of the water-energy-food (WEF) nexus into buildings when designing resilient cooling strategies. Applying the method to a case study, the highest WEF nexus index (77.54%) was achieved by combining urban agriculture, photovoltaic panels, and rainwater harvesting. The proposed framework helps decision-makers prioritize strategies that integrate all three resources to address building overheating and enhance resource efficiency.

Nordregio, Luciane Aguiar Borges, Ana de Jesus · · Global

This report discusses the barriers and drivers of Urban Agriculture (UA) within the framework of the Horizon 2020 project 'SiEUGreen,' across environmental, technological, economic, social/cultural, and regulatory/institutional aspects. Based on insights from five showcases in Norway, Denmark, Turkey, and China, the results suggest that city food provision and UA systems can be designed considering circular economy regenerative cycles. However, key barriers limiting UA uptake include the need for more evidence-based research, further experimentation for innovative technological developments, high investments, difficulties accessing financial support, underdeveloped business cases, limited recognition of UA's benefits, and behavioral/cultural barriers.

Ghulam Fathir Authar Insaniy, Lastini Lastini, Sofiatin Sofiatin · Jurnal Agristan · Indonesia (Bandung)

This study investigated the influence of green marketing on purchase intention through brand image among 34 consumers of CSA Seni Tani's organic vegetable products in Arcamanik, Bandung City, from September to November 2023. Analysis using Structural Equation Modeling showed that while the influence of green marketing on purchase intention through brand image was positive, it was not statistically significant, indicating that brand image was not effective as a mediator between the two variables.

Runan Yang, Hironori Yagi · Cities · Japan (Tokyo)

A study investigated the occupational values of 89 certified urban farmers in Tokyo using both Likert scale and Best-Worst Scaling (BWS) methods. Analysis revealed that farmers highly prioritized relationships with consumers, while values related to nature and the environment were less emphasized. The BWS method offered deeper insights into farmers' values, uncovering subtleties that Likert scales may obscure.