Research & reports

Naser I. Faruqui, Odeh Al-Jayyousi · Water International · Jordan

This paper describes a pilot project in Tufileh, Jordan, that allowed poor residents to reuse untreated household greywater in home gardens. Women in the community used small revolving loans to implement simple greywater recovery systems and set up gardens. The project enabled the community to offset food purchases and generate income by selling surplus production, saving or earning an average of 10% of its income. An environmental impact assessment demonstrated that the quality of the untreated greywater was adequate, and the negative impacts on soil and crops were negligible.

Nyuk Hien Wong, Vi Ling Wong, Yu Chen, Siew Eang Lee, David Cheong, Guan Tiong Lim, Chui Leng Ong, Angelia Sia · Architectural Science Review · Global

This study explored the potential of rooftop gardens to reduce heat gain into buildings and modify ambient conditions through plant photosynthesis and evapotranspiration. Results suggest that rooftop gardens can effectively cool the immediate ambient environment by 1.5°C. Surface temperature readings from rooftop gardens were lower than those on barren concrete rooftops, indicating improved thermal insulation in the presence of plants. However, high relative humidity was also observed in rooftop gardens due to plants, requiring adequate natural ventilation to prevent discomfort.

I. Sandoval, Marco López, M. Stefanova, B. Bernal, Mario Oswaldo Siles Neyra, Daniela Rodríguez García, F. Rodríguez · · Cuba

This study identified major fungal species causing damping-off in tomato seedlings in Cuba, with Rhizoctonia solani present in 50% of samples, Phytophthora parasitica in 41%, and Pythium aphanidermatum in 8.3%. Seed treatment with the antagonist Trichoderma harzianum (strain A34) increased germination to 100% in Floradel, Lignon, Placero, Criollo, and Campbell-28 varieties, compared to 70-80% in untreated ones. This treatment also increased seedling weight and fruit size, and for the Placero variety, it resulted in over 50% higher harvest, yielding a profit of $560.12.

· Water International · Global

Describes a spectrum of drip systems keyed to income and farm size (beginning with a US$5 bucket kit for home gardens) as a means to alleviate hunger and poverty among poor farmers.

· Agricultural Water Management · Global

Presents buried, unglazed porous clay pot irrigation, in which water seeps through the pot wall at a plant-driven rate, as a highly efficient low-cost traditional method well suited to small farmers.

E. Pena, M. V. Carrion · · Cuba

Four experiments were conducted at INIFAT experimental plots on organoponicos (horticulture on organic substrates) in Cuban urban agriculture. The study investigated substrate preparation methods, sources and proportions, fertility maintenance with organic fertilizers, and earthworm inoculation. Key findings indicated that substrates should be mixed homogeneously, and many crops showed better yields with 75% Cachaza mixtures. Decreases in nutrient and organic matter content led to a gradual decline in yield, while earthworm humus application and direct inoculation maintained fertility and increased yields.

Nercy Rodríguez de la Rosa, Raimundo M. Díaz Esquivel, Lissett Gutiérrez Hernández, Susana Pérez Talavera, Francisco M. Pérez Tabares · Alimentaria · Global

This study aimed to establish a methodology for using solar dryers for food and seed preservation under rustic conditions. It was established that condiments and seeds can be dried in approximately 3 days, maintaining their qualities and offering additional sanitary advantages. The manufacturing of solar dryers is very simple and does not require large investments.

· PubMed · Global

This paper emphasizes the need for technological infrastructure to maximize the value of medicinal plants within primary health care (PHC). The WHO Programme on Traditional Medicine highlights the importance of appropriate drug availability in PHC and recommends cultivating medicinal plants in home or community gardens. It advocates for strengthening data gathering and analysis capabilities for economic mapping of medicinal flora in developing countries and for clinical research on the safety and efficacy of herbal medicines used by traditional health practitioners.

· Nutrition & Food Science · Global

The Institute of Biology held a symposium to assess the value of vegetables for feeding people and livestock. The symposium considered the energy, labor, and monetary inputs required for vegetable production across various scales, from allotments to large market gardens. Discussions also included the role of traditional and unconventional animal species within vegetable growing systems.

William E. Roweton · Psychological Reports · Global

This study discussed the instructional advantages of growing vegetable seedlings in an introductory child psychology course. The project drew students' attention to the importance of nutrition in child development, as well as the popularity and practicalities of urban gardening. Additionally, the activity of "raising" plants proved to be a provocative analogy to "rearing" children.