Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
984 results(16 / 40)
La huerta escolar bajo un enfoque agroecológico de sostenibilidad ambiental y el conocimiento nutricional estudiantil
2022Jilmar Gustavo Comas Piñere · GACETA DE PEDAGOGÍA · Global
This article, based on a qualitative documentary design, explores the agroecological school garden as a pedagogical scenario to strengthen learning and address environmental sustainability issues. The study aimed to highlight the importance of the educational process in improving student nutrition and quality of life. It concludes that establishing school gardens as an integral "learning by doing" strategy is crucial across all knowledge areas and educational levels.
Food educationHealthCommunityOrganic cycleInvestigating Farmer Perspectives and Compost Application for Soil Management in Urban Agriculture in Mwanza, Tanzania
2022Shefaza Esmail, Maren Oelbermann · Frontiers in Soil Science · Tanzania (Mwanza)
This study investigated farmer perspectives and compost application for soil management in urban agriculture in Mwanza, Tanzania. Semi-structured interviews with 34 urban farmers revealed concerns about climate change and unpredictable rain, with 82% desiring soil improvements. A field trial showed that organic amendments (poultry manure and food waste compost) improved soil water holding capacity by 14-19% and enhanced microbial biomass 1.7-4 times compared to inorganic nitrogen fertilizer, with comparable crop productivity.
CompostOrganic cycleCommunityClimate changeLand Management Controls on Hydraulic Conductivity of an Urban Farm in Atlanta, GA
2022Hayden Hinton · Digital Archive @ GSU · United States (Atlanta)
A study in the Proctor Creek watershed in Atlanta, Georgia, measured field saturated hydraulic conductivity (Kfs) in soils under compaction, urban agricultural use, and lawn maintenance. Urban farming significantly increased soil Kfs (mean 2.2E-4 cm/s) compared to compaction (9.1E-7 cm/s) and lawn maintenance (9.0E-6 cm/s), limiting overland flow. Grain-size distributions showed no significant difference, indicating Kfs was controlled by land-management practices, not soil texture.
Organic cycleClimate changeKONSEP PERANCANGAN PUSAT PELATIHAN URBAN FARMING DI KABUPATEN BADUNG
2022Ni Putu Kinsa Destias Wirawan, Frysa Wiriantari, Anak Agung Ayu Sri Ratih Yulianasari · Jurnal Teknik Gradien · Indonesia (Badung)
This qualitative descriptive study explored the design concept for an urban farming training center in Badung Regency, Indonesia. The center adopts an education and tourism concept with a Green Architecture theme, incorporating eco-friendly materials, renewable energy, and water conservation. It aims to promote urban farming methods like hydroponics, biofloc catfish farming, maggot cultivation, and organic waste processing into eco-enzymes.
Food educationDIYCommunityOrganic cyclePerformance of Ecologically Friendly Coir Grow Bags for Improving the Plant Root Architecture with Enhancement in Growth and Yield
2022Abhishek C, Soumya T V, V. Ajith · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Global
This study evaluated the effect of coir grow bags as an alternative to plastic grow bags on plant growth and yield. Seedlings of amaranthus, tomato, brinjal, chilli, herbs, medicinal plants, and ornamental plants were transplanted into coir grow bags and synthetic grow bags for comparison. Results showed that plants grown in coir grow bags exhibited higher yield and plant height, along with noticeable improvements in visual plant condition, compared to those in synthetic grow bags.
DIYOrganic cycleClimate changeA Horta Escolar como Agente de Transformação Social e de Educação Ambiental
2022Regina Lucia Santana, Roberto Andreani, João Adalberto Campato, Denise Regina da Costa Aguiar · Revista FSA · Brazil (São Paulo)
This descriptive and transversal field study, conducted at Professora Maria Expedita Silva State School in Mauá, São Paulo, aimed to implement sustainable and community actions using a school garden. The project sought to unite the school and local community in consuming and preserving the garden, fostering environmental responsibility and promoting natural diets. Results showed adolescent engagement in the educational project's sustainable actions, leading to more collaborative attitudes towards their natural environment.
Food educationCommunityOrganic cycleHealthEnvironmental Impacts of Egg Production from a Life Cycle Perspective
2022Aurore Guillaume, Anna Hubatová-Vacková, Vladimír Kočí · Agriculture · Czech Republic
A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was performed on several egg-producing subjects in the Czech Republic, representing four main laying systems (enriched cages, barns, free-range, and organic), which were also compared to a community garden system. The study's results suggest that feed conversion ratio (FCR), feed composition, and manure management are the most important factors influencing the total environmental impacts of eggs. Additionally, environmental benefits linked to outdoor access or using organic feed over conventional were observed.
CommunityOrganic cycleClimate changeUtilization of plastic waste as a planting medium for microgreens to meet the families' nutritional needs during the pandemic
2022Yayat Sujatna, Widi Hastomo, Ambardi Ambardi · Community Empowerment · Indonesia (Jakarta)
This Community Service program aimed to educate residents of PCM Cengkareng Barat, Jakarta, Indonesia, about plastic waste, recycle plastic waste for microgreens planting media, and encourage urban farming of microgreens to meet family nutrition during the pandemic. The program utilized the Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) method. The outcome was an increased ability and knowledge among partners regarding plastic waste utilization and new methods for urban farming microgreens.
DIYFood educationHealthOrganic cycleQuantification of the local water energy nutrient food nexus for three urban farms in Amsterdam & Boston
2022M.C.G. Haitsma Mulier, F.H.M. Van de Ven, Paul Kirshen · Energy Nexus · Netherlands (Amsterdam), United States (Boston)
This study quantified the Water Energy Nutrient Food (WENF) nexus for three urban farms: a greenhouse in Amsterdam, and a community farm and a container farm in East-Boston. It investigated the water, energy, and nutrient demands of these farms and the availability of resources in urban waters. The study found that the water and nutrient demands (nitrogen and phosphorus) of all three farms could be met by local urban water resources, but energy availability depended on the type of agriculture.
Organic cycleClimate changeCommunityGreen Guerillas, Seed Bombs, and Granite Gardens
2022Setha Low · · Global
This chapter examines environmental sustainability and the greening of public spaces in Paris and New York City, tracing the history and impact of interventions like community gardens, urban agriculture, and sustainable parks. These initiatives contribute to ecological sustainability by fostering stronger communities, supporting social reproduction, and promoting environmental justice. The study highlights how human ecological planning and ecosystem services assessments provide scientific strategies for enhancing sustainability in public space design.
CommunityBiodiversityOrganic cyclePolicyIntroduction of Integrated Pest Management Practices in Urban Farming in Mataram City During the Covid-19 Pandemic
2022Muhammad Sarjan, M. Taufik Fauzi, Ruth Stella P. Thei · Unram Journal of Community Service · Indonesia (Mataram City)
This action research in Mataram City during the COVID-19 pandemic introduced Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices to urban farming groups. Group discussions revealed that while participants were interested in developing fresh vegetables and fruits and found benefits in meeting family food needs, most members were unfamiliar with environmentally friendly cultivation techniques, particularly IPM.
Environmental trade-offsFood educationHealthOrganic cycleCommunityCommunity Research Extension Continuum in Urban Agriculture in an Urban Barangay of Northern Philippines
2022Mary Ann N Daculog, Thea P Suaco, Romalyn D Parado · Advances in Agriculture Horticulture and Entomology · Philippines (Baguio City)
This study analyzed the chemical properties of soil in Barangay Lucnab, Baguio City, Philippines, focusing on macronutrient and micronutrient presence. Findings revealed low soil moisture content (27.26% to 33.60%) and strongly acidic pH levels (4.1 to 4.83). Organic matter content was also low (2.71% to 3.45%), suggesting that the soil's acidity may impact nutrient availability and solubility, thereby reducing harvest and productivity.
Food educationCommunityOrganic cycleFood sovereignty & justiceSerre en toiture : Une Perspective Financière
2022Scattareggia, Florent, Ancion, Nicolas, Jijakli, Haissam, Crutzen, Nathalie · Open Repository and Bibliography (University of Liège) · Global
This article discusses rooftop greenhouses (RTGs) as a potential solution to global land consumption and increasing food demand. RTGs utilize existing urban roof space, avoiding competition for land, and can form synergies with supporting buildings by using waste heat, CO2, urine, and rainwater, offering environmental benefits. Additionally, urban farming, including RTGs, can provide employment and educational opportunities in urban areas.
Climate changeEconomicsFood educationOrganic cycleProductive Blue-Green Roofs for Stormwater Management
2022Kristiina Valter · Green Energy and Environmental Technology · Global
This paper describes productive blue-green roofs for stormwater management, highlighting features important for sustained environmental benefits. It explains that blue roofs use retention layers to delay or retain stormwater, and combining them with green roofs allows for growing edible crops, offering synergistic benefits. The paper presents case studies and testbeds of various blue and green roof sublayer combinations with edible and non-edible plants, considering design parameters and monitoring systems.
DIYClimate changeOrganic cycleLegacy Lead in Urban Garden Soils: Communicating Risk and Limiting Exposure
2022Anna Paltseva, Zhongqi Cheng, Murray B. McBride, Maha Deeb, Sara Perl Egendorf, Peter M. Groffman · Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution · Global
This synthesis paper summarizes current scientific knowledge on lead (Pb) contamination in urban garden soils and provides clear recommendations for assessing actual health risks and limiting exposure. Urban garden soils often contain elevated levels of Pb, mainly from legacy sources, which is a main barrier for urban gardening. Amendments are noted as unreliable for treating contaminated soils to reduce risk, as they do not always make contaminants less harmful.
Contamination & food safetyHealthOrganic cycleCommunityBalancing urban agriculture with sustaining ecosystem services
2022Monika Egerer, Brenda B. Lin · CABI Reviews · Global
This review evaluated ecosystem services (ES) within urban agriculture (UA) systems and the trade-offs between these services. Urban agriculture provides many benefits and environmental services such as food provision, social cohesion, and climate regulation. However, it was shown that management decisions can create trade-offs between ecosystem services, where an increase in one service may potentially reduce the system's ability to provide another service at a desired level.
Environmental trade-offsBiodiversityClimate changeCommunityOrganic cycleDevelopment of a Process for Domestic Wastewater Treatment Using Moringa oleifera for Pathogens and Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Inhibition under Tropical Conditions
2022Nini Sané, Malick Mbengué, Amandine Laffite, Serge Stoll, John Poté, Philippe Le Coustumer · Water · Global
This study developed a wastewater treatment plant prototype coupled with Moringa oleifera seeds to reduce fecal indicator bacteria and antibiotic-resistant bacteria in domestic wastewater. The prototype alone reduced bacteria by 99.34%. The addition of Moringa oleifera seeds achieved high removal rates for E. coli (36.6–78.8%), fecal coliform (28.3–84.6%), Vibrio cholera (35.3–95.6%), and total flora (32.1–92.4%). For antibiotic-resistant bacteria, removal rates were up to 98% for E. coli and fecal coliform, 100% for Vibrio cholera, and 91.96% for total flora.
Contamination & food safetyHealthOrganic cyclePertumbuhan Tanaman Tomat yang Dibudidayakan di Tanah Mineral dengan Perlakuan Ampas Teh dan Kotoran Sapi
2022Mila Lukmana, Muhammad Helmy Abdillah · Agritech Jurnal Fakultas Pertanian Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto · Indonesia
This study, conducted from February to June 2021 in Indonesia, investigated the effect of combining tea dregs and cow dung on tomato plant growth in mineral soil. Using a factorial randomized block design, 16 combinations of tea dregs (0, 10, 20, 30 g/polybag) and cow dung (0, 29.7, 44.5, 74.2 g/polybag) were tested. The results indicated that the A1S3 treatment (10 g/polybag tea dregs and 74.2 g/polybag cow dung) was effective and efficient in increasing plant height, leaf surface area, root growth, and dry weight of tomato plants.
DIYCompostOrganic cycleEffects of Plant Spacing with Companion Plants on Growth and Fruit Quality of Cherry Tomatoes
2022Byoung-Kwon Lee, Hyung-Kwon Yun, In-Kyoung Hong, Young-Bin Jung, Sangmi Lee, Sang-Deok Lee · Journal of people, plants, and environment · Global
This study investigated the effects of French marigold, zinnia, spearmint, and basil as companion plants at 10, 20, and 40 cm spacing on cherry tomato growth and fruit quality. Statistical differences were found in stem thickness and total number of fruits per plant, but not in plant height, total fresh weight of fruits, sugar content, fruit hardness, or vitamin C. Stem thickness decreased when spearmint and basil were planted at 20 cm or 40 cm compared to the control, and only zinnia at 40 cm increased the total number of fruits per plant.
DIYFood educationOrganic cyclePivotal role of municipal wastewater resource recovery facilities in urban agriculture: A review
2022Jiefu Wang, Yuepeng Sun, Kang Xia, Allison Deines, Ross Cooper, Karen Pallansch, Zhi‐Wu Wang · Water Environment Research · Global
This review examines the potential pivotal role of Urban Water Resource Reclamation Facilities (WRRFs) in sustainable urban agriculture. It highlights that reclaimed water can offer higher quality and less variable supply than other sources, while biosolids from wastewater treatment can be used as fertilizers or soil amendments. Additionally, WRRFs can produce renewable electricity, heat, CO2, and bioplastics, serving as essential resources for urban agriculture operations.
Organic cycleClimate changeUrban–rural linkageFood sovereignty & justiceStrategic Development of Primary School Garden Education Based on the PEST Analysis of Organophonico in Cuba
2022Nam-Gyeong Gim, Nam-gyeong Gim · The Jounal of Cultural Exchange · Cuba
This study explored strategic methods for effective school garden operation in elementary schools, focusing on Cuba's organopónico system. It conducted a PEST analysis of organopónico to extract technological strengths relevant to school garden education and a SWOT analysis of domestic elementary school gardens from an operational perspective. Findings suggest organopónico offers solutions for limited space through cantero farming and highlights organic farming using living organisms as a key method for strategic linkage in school gardens.
Food educationCommunityOrganic cycleCircular sanitation in relation to nutrients recycling and (urban) agriculture in the city of Amsterdam : Deliverable D4.4 Opportunities and barriers for circular sanitation within urban context
2022Kimo van Dijk, Lotte Veenemans, Ciska Nienhuis · · Netherlands (Amsterdam)
This report explains the importance of improving sanitation circularity, its link to circular urban food production, and the opportunities and barriers for its realization in Amsterdam. It discusses aspects related to sustainability, environment, quality, agronomy, legislation, health and safety, technology, economics, and awareness. The report provides recommendations for Amsterdam and other cities to stimulate the transition to circular sanitation and nutrient recovery/reuse in urban agriculture, including clarifying legislation and addressing barriers.
Organic cycleCompostPolicyHealthEconomicsClimate changeRooftop Greenhouse: (2) Analysis of Thermal Energy Loads of a Building-Integrated Rooftop Greenhouse (BiRTG) for Urban Agriculture
2022Uk-Hyeon Yeo, Sang‐Yeon Lee, Se‐Jun Park, Jun‐Gyu Kim, Jeong-Hwa Cho, Cristina Decano-Valentin, Rack-woo Kim, In-Bok Lee · Agriculture · Global
This study analyzed the energy-saving efficiency of Building-integrated Rooftop Greenhouses (BiRTGs) for urban agriculture using building energy simulations (BES) combined with computational fluid dynamics (CFD). For growing tomatoes, the annual energy load in a BiRTG was 464,673 MJ, representing an average 5.2% reduction compared to a single-span greenhouse (490,128 MJ). Energy savings were observed from October to April due to heat transfer from the building, and implementing alternating air temperature management (ATM) from November to March further reduced heating energy loads, yielding average energy savings of 11.8%.
Climate changeEconomicsOrganic cycleCRIAÇÃO DE GALINHAS EM ÁREAS URBANAS: DEBATENDO OS CAMINHOS E DESAFIOS PARA SUA LEGALIZAÇÃO
2022Raquel Yurie Hioki, Moacir Roberto Darolt · Archives of Veterinary Science · Brazil (Curitiba)
This study, conducted in Curitiba, Brazil, and its metropolitan area, aimed to discuss the risks and benefits of legalizing urban poultry farming. Through interviews with key informants, challenges were identified across sanitary, legislative, and commercial areas, urban chicken breeders, and bird management. The main challenges cited were sanitary and environmental risks, mistreatment, irregular slaughter, and neighborhood disturbances, which could be addressed through activity regulation, registration of farms, technical monitoring, and implementation of pilot projects.
Governance failureOrganic cycleFood educationFood sovereignty & justicePolicyCommunityHubungan Produktivitas Kerja Kelompok dengan Keberlanjutan Program Urban Farming
2022Nusaibah Nurul Fida, Heru Purwandari · Jurnal Sains Komunikasi dan Pengembangan Masyarakat [JSKPM] · Indonesia
This study analyzed the relationship between group work productivity and the levels of economic, social, and ecological sustainability in urban farming programs in Indonesia. Using a quantitative survey method supported by qualitative data, the research found that group work productivity has a sufficient and significant relationship with the level of economic sustainability. Furthermore, group work productivity has a strong and significant relationship with the levels of social and ecological sustainability of urban farming programs.
CommunityEconomicsOrganic cycle