Research & reports

Ferziana Nurmeilinda Dzikrika, Sitawati Sitawati, Nurul Aini, Dewi Ratih Rizki Damaiyanti · International Journal of Environment Agriculture and Biotechnology · Indonesia (Malang)

A study conducted in Malang, Indonesia, from February to June 2023, investigated the effect of eco enzyme concentration and NPK fertilizer dosage on the growth and yield of sweet potatoes in urban farming systems. Using a factorial randomized block design repeated three times, combinations of eco enzyme concentrations and NPK fertilizer doses were tested. Results showed that eco enzyme concentration affected the NPK fertilizer dose on sweet potato plants, with the highest fresh tuber weight at an NPK fertilizer dose of 3.75 g per plant produced at an eco enzyme concentration of 30 ml per liter. Eco enzyme concentrations and NPK doses were found to increase the growth and yield of sweet potato plants across variables such as leaf area, plant dry weight, tuber fresh weight, and harvest index.

· International Research Journal of Modernization in Engineering Technology and Science · Global

An IoT and artificial intelligence-based smart gardening and irrigation system was developed to simplify the maintenance of rooftop and balcony gardens for urban greening. The system utilizes hardware such as NodeMCU ESP8266, a water motor, battery, relay module, rain sensor, temperature and humidity sensor, and soil moisture sensors. It enables users to water plants manually or automatically via the internet from anywhere using a smartphone, making gardening easier for individuals with limited time.

Amiany, Ruben Tinting Sirenden, Ave harysakti · Diteksi · Indonesia (Bukit Tunggal)

In Bukit Tunggal, Indonesia, an urban gardening training program was implemented for housewives aged 30-46 in a densely populated barracks area to enhance family food security. The program involved preparing training modules, providing basic knowledge and practical methods for urban gardening, direct practice, and ongoing assistance. Common vegetable crops grown included mustard greens, spinach, lettuce, kale, and tomatoes, aiming to foster independent planting for household food needs.

Anthony Silva Ferraz, Raick Silva Sousa, Maria Cristina da Silva de Carvalho, Valter dos Santos Mendonça Neto, Carlos Costa Cardoso · Revista Eletrônica Multidisciplinar de Investigação Científica · Brazil

This study presents the development of a mobile application providing information on seedlings cultivated and made available by the Municipal Nursery of Açailândia, Maranhão, Brazil. The software was built using the Kodular tool, and seedling information was extracted from a survey conducted at the nursery and complemented with data from specialized websites. Evaluations were conducted with 52 people aged 12 to 27 who installed and tested the application, with results showing good public acceptance regarding the software's utility and applications.

Sajuri Sajuri, Nur Susanti, Farid Rizqullah Baihaqi, Nisfa Prihanani, Erni Fitriani, Riris Anggita · Surya Abdimas · Indonesia

This community service activity aimed to promote the cultivation of butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea) among a group of former farmers whose rice fields were submerged and unusable due to flooding. Activities were conducted through counseling and training in plant cultivation, as well as providing ergonomic harvesting techniques and physiotherapy training to prevent musculoskeletal complaints. The goal was to develop butterfly pea as a local flagship commodity and enhance its economic value and health benefits through the concept of urban farming.

Sari Perwita Rahmanti Ignatia, Sunik · ASAWIKA Media Sosialisasi Abdimas Widya Karya · Indonesia

Dissemination activities, demonstrations, and training on organic urban farming were conducted for PKK members in RT 01, RW 04, Balearjosari Village, Blimbing District, Malang City, Indonesia. The initiative aimed to support homemakers in cultivating organic vegetables in their yards to achieve household-level food safety and security. The activities resulted in an increase in participants' knowledge, skills, and ability to apply organic cultivation practices in their respective yards, contributing to family food safety and security.

Mufti Hatur Rahmah, Masyitha Wahid, Nurhidayah Nurhidayah, Jirana Jirana, Muh. Yunus · SIPAKARAYA Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat · Indonesia (Polewali Mandar)

In Polewali Mandar Regency, Indonesia, an activity was conducted to introduce the concept of urban farming through simple hydroponics to a teacher community (KGP) for utilizing limited urban open land. The activity included material provision, demonstrations, practice, and mentoring, aiming for KGP teachers to become facilitators for educators and the wider community. Evaluation results from 42 participants showed an average score of over 4 in all satisfaction indicator categories, indicating that the training provided knowledge of urban farming and hydroponic skills.

Norbertus Citra Irawan, Haryuni Haryuni, Tyas Soemarah Kusuma Dewi, Sapto Priyadi, Suswadi Suswadi · Journal of Community Capacity Empowerment · Indonesia (Surakarta)

This community service activity, conducted on Jalan Slamet Riyadi in Surakarta, Indonesia, involved plant clinic consultations, demonstrations of sustainable maintenance, and seed distribution during car-free days. These activities increased urban communities' understanding and confidence in plant care, stimulated interest in gardening, and promoted greenery. The activity confirmed that direct approaches with communities, through clinics, demonstrations, and active participation, are effective in addressing urban environmental challenges and raising awareness of sustainable agriculture.

Ibnu Bangkit Bioshina Suryadi, Zahidah Zahidah, Lantun Paradhita Dewanti, Herman Hamdani, Rioaldi Sugandhy · Dharmakarya · Indonesia (Sumedang)

In Tanjungsari Village, Sumedang Regency, Indonesia, the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic increased the need for affordable, nutritious food. This community service activity introduced an aquaponics system through education and training, aiming to serve as a model for urban farming utilizing limited land. The system, which combines fish and vegetable cultivation, intends to provide villagers with an organic and affordable source of high-protein food.

Theochrasia Latue, Philia Christi Latue, Heinrich Rakuasa · Nusantara Journal of Behavioral and Social Sciences · Indonesia (Bandung)

This descriptive qualitative research examined hydroponic salad cultivation by the Bandung Gardening community in Bandung City, Indonesia. The study found that hydroponics is an efficient and effective method for producing high-quality salads in an urban environment. Hydroponic plants showed faster growth, higher yields, and better nutritional quality compared to soil-based cultivation, while also reducing water and land use.

Raj, T. Yuvan, Divashen, C., Pillaiy, K. Nishart, Pretthic, S., Rishwin, S. · UiTM Institutional Repositories (Universiti Teknologi MARA) · Global

This smart aquaponic garden system integrates aquaculture and hydroponics with IoT sensors to monitor water parameters and optimize plant growth. A central monitoring platform processes real-time data to maintain optimal conditions for plants and fish and detect abnormalities. The system offers remote access and control, aiming to promote sustainable agriculture, reduce water consumption, and provide an accessible platform for local food production in urban farming and community gardens.

Andrew Jones, Joel Hockin, Max Longhurst · The Science Teacher · United States

This abstract does not describe specific research content or findings regarding rooftop garden ecosystems. Instead, it only provides information about the affiliations and roles of the authors: Andrew Jones, Joel Hockin, and Max Longhurst.

Wulan Sari Sinaga, Desyana Millenia Limeranto, Eugenia Larissa Bakti Pangala, Kukuh Madyaningrana · Pro-Life · Global

This research investigated the macro nutrient content of fruit peel-based liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) and its effect on Pakcoy (Brassica chinensis L.) growth over 56 days, using a completely randomized design with five treatments and five replications. The study found that the macro nutrients in the fruit peel-based LOF did not meet the Ministry of Agriculture's quality standards. However, a 0.4 mL dose of the fruit peel-based LOF showed the best effect in supporting Pakcoy plant growth across all measured parameters.

Andra Jihan Prasetyo, Mira Azizah · Indonesian Journal of Elementary School · Indonesia (Semarang)

This study described character values integrated into urban farming activities at SDN Ngemplak Simongan 01 Semarang, Indonesia, during the 2023/2024 academic year. The research found positive attitudes towards character values such as responsibility, independence, discipline, hard work, curiosity, cooperation, and environmental care among students participating in urban farming. The findings highlight the importance of integrating character values into the school curriculum through practical learning approaches like urban farming.

Cleber José Bosetti · Revista Desenvolvimento Social · Brazil

An empirical study was conducted at the Federal University of Santa Catarina's Rural Sciences Center in Curitibanos, Brazil, to evaluate urban agriculture's potential for value generation and food security improvement. The study involved cultivating a 5m² garden for one year using biodynamic agricultural management, followed by accounting for production factors and economic viability analysis. Results indicated that urban agriculture has the potential to contribute to food security and that its practices, under resilient agricultural management, are also economically viable.

Tina McIntyre, Rachel Gutner, Hamutahl Cohen, Tiare Saracino, Esen Momol · EDIS · United States (Florida)

This 8-page publication from the UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture Department defines common pests for home gardeners and advocates for diversifying landscapes to manage them. It introduces the "triangle" of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), providing examples of multi-method tools applicable in home settings for pest control.

Muhammad Izzad Ramli, Muhammad Azizi Mohd Ariffin, Zarina Zainol, Mohd Nazrul Mohd Amin, Dedeng Hirawan, I D Sumitra, Nursuriati Jamil · Pertanika journal of science & technology · Global

This paper proposes a design for a Smart Portable Farming Kit, an IoT-based system for cultivating short-duration vegetables and mushrooms indoors in urban areas. The prototype design is simple, lightweight, and durable, requiring minimal user attention. It proved better than traditional setups by increasing mushroom yield, making oyster mushroom cultivation easier and more profitable in urban areas.

Tom Critchley · Temes de disseny · United Kingdom (London)

This ethnographic case study examines DIY design practices at The Grove Skatepark in London, UK, viewing it as an urban commons. Fieldwork revealed DIY practices as "learning-by-doing," fostering vocational and soft skills, and supporting a community that includes a community garden and arts workshops. However, the study also found that while the space is inclusive, its governance centers agency around "core skateboarding," reinforcing masculine hegemonies.

Inanpi Hidayati Sumiasih · Jurdimas (Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat) Royal · Indonesia (Jakarta)

In Jatinegara Baru Housing, East Jakarta, Indonesia, an urban farming program was conducted from March to December 2022 for residents and santri of the Al Jabar community. The program included cultivating vegetables in narrow yards, utilizing green spaces, and training in compost and POC production. Evaluation showed that participant understanding increased from an initial 10% to 100%, the activity was rated "very beneficial," and the combined theory and practice method was considered highly suitable for participants.

Yichen Ma · International Journal of Environmental Sustainability and Protection · Global

This article explores participatory community gardening theory and practices, using an old community as an example, to find ways to establish and grow community gardens for residents. It aims to provide a reference for establishing community gardens and exploring sustainable methods within urban micro-renewal, especially in response to challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic affecting residents' access to necessities.

Fadhilah Ramadhana, Nurina Orta Darmawati · Jurnal Sains dan Seni ITS · Indonesia

Gardening in densely populated areas — urban farming — has been widely practiced among urban communities using narrow plots or home yards, a trend that gained further interest during the pandemic, though facilities and costs pose challenges. The self-watering system method is presented as a solution using easily available tools and materials that can be implemented independently. Public knowledge, particularly among teenagers, about the benefits of medicinal plants is described as still minimal. To introduce cultivation via an accessible method, this design research combined observation of the self-watering system, experimental study, in-depth interviews with a gardening community, comparative study of similar videos, and literature review for secondary data, producing an explainer animation. The output is a two-part series: the first episode explains the self-watering system method overall, and the second explains its application using two wild medicinal plants. The video content covers the self-watering cultivation method, plant profiles, and the edible or medicinal parts of the plants, and is to be distributed via YouTube.

Nia Yuniarti Hasan, Teguh Budi Prijanto · Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat Kesehatan Indonesia · Indonesia

This community outreach activity in the Cibabat area of Cimahi, Indonesia, responds to findings that urban rainwater is affected by local pollution sources and long-distance transport of natural and anthropogenic air pollutants, by using rainwater processed through a treatment installation as an irrigation source for soil-free hydroponic urban farming. Framing urban farming as a way to create green open space amid dense urban development, the activity delivered outreach and training on rainwater treatment technology to build residents' skills and knowledge. No quantitative outcome measurements are reported.

D Kozáková, M. Jebavý, M. Kunt, K. Čechová · Scientia Agriculturae Bohemica · Europe

A study in Prague, Czech Republic (Scientia Agriculturae Bohemica, 2023) tested bulbous plant species for suitability in vertical and rooftop gardens under a temperate climate, recording bloom timing, duration, and resilience by cardinal direction across multiple years. Narcissus performed best in the south-facing section of the vertical garden and was found most suitable for both garden types; Scilla siberica was the worst choice for south-facing gardens in bloom length and quantity of flowering plants; Muscari armeniacum showed balanced bloom results across all cardinal directions; Galanthus woronowii did not show promise for either garden type; and Crocus 'King of Striped' was found unsuitable for vertical gardens.

Mahsa Tarashkar, Mansour Matloobi, Salman Qureshi, Akbar Rahimi · Ecological Indicators · Global

This study investigated the effects of tea waste compost on the growth traits of radish (Raphanus sativus L.) and explored whether a clean carbon dioxide source from urban households could contribute to sustainable production. Tea waste gathered from urban households was decomposed for four months and mixed at 0–75% by volume with loamy garden soil; using a split-plot design, one greenhouse was enriched to an elevated CO2 concentration of 1500±100 ppm while a second was kept at the ambient level of 500±20 ppm. Results showed that elevated CO2 negatively affected radish yield, biomass accumulation, and vegetative growth parameters, while increasing volumes of tea waste compost, up to 75%, improved growth traits. At 75% tea waste compost, elevated CO2 had the same effect on growth traits as the normal level, showing a positive effect on total fresh weight but negative effects on total dry weight, leaf dry weight, and total leaf area. The study attributes the strongest support for radish growth at the highest compost volume (75%) to its high nitrogen content.

Junaidi Junaidi, Mahadi Bahtera, Halil Akmal, Maisarah Maisarah · Jurnal Agroristek · Indonesia

This study examined income levels and the internal strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats affecting horticultural urban farming development in the city of Sigli, Indonesia, using descriptive and SWOT analysis. Using a census sampling method, respondents comprised 8 people total: 3 farmer-group officials and 5 horticultural farmers. The results placed Sigli's horticultural urban farming in "Quadrant I," indicating internal strengths, and the study recommends an aggressive strategy that maximizes strengths and exploits available opportunities.