Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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133 results(2 / 6)
Use of climate smart agriculture technologies in West Africa peri-urban Sahel in Niger
2025Tinawaen Tambol, Emmanuel Kanchebe Derbile, Moussa Soulé · Scientific Reports · Niger
This study investigated peri-urban farming systems in West African Sahel cities. A mixed-method research design, including field and household surveys of 142 peri-urban smallholder farmers, was employed. Results showed that biopesticides/crop and pest management were the most used Climate-Smart Agriculture Technologies (CSAT) in dry-season farming (p = .002). Other technologies included fertilizer micro-dose, organic manure and compost application, flood-tolerant improved varieties, and green energy-based irrigation.
Peri-urban agricultureClimate changeDigital agricultureCompostEffect of Organic Amendments in Sandy Soils on Increasing Tomato Yield at Rooftop Garden
2025Md. Habibullah Siddiki, Jakaria Chowdhury Onik, Mamunur Rashid, Md. Abubakar Siddik · Journal of Agroforestry and Environment · Global
This study examined the effects of different organic amendments on BRRI Hybrid Summer Tomato 4 grown in sandy soil on a rooftop. Treatments included sand with compost, coco peat, household ash, or rice husk. Compost (T1) was superior for plant height, fruit number, and yield, while household ash (T3) resulted in the highest plant tissue phosphorus and potassium. The findings suggest that organic materials like ash and compost can increase tomato yields in rooftop gardens and mitigate sandy soil limitations.
DIYCompostOrganic cycleVermicomposting: A Way Toward Sustainable Economy and Environment
2025Diksha Pathania, Indu Kumari, Neha Salaria, Suresh Kumar, Rajesh Kumar · Waste Management · Global
This chapter provides an overview of vermicomposting, a sustainable and eco-friendly waste management practice that uses earthworms to convert organic waste into nutrient-rich compost. Vermicomposting has been gaining popularity as a way to reduce the environmental impact of waste disposal and promote sustainable agriculture. This method is suitable for various applications, including urban agriculture, landscaping, and horticulture, and can offer both environmental and economic benefits.
CompostOrganic cycleEconomicsRooftop Garden, A Way for Food and Nutrition Security for The Semi-Urban City of Pabna, Bangladesh
2025Taslima Arzu, Md. Ariful Kabir Sujan, S.M. Symon Bappy, Rupam Mitra, Suparna Das Toma, Vulon Prosad · Plant Science Archives · Bangladesh
This study surveyed 62 household and rooftop garden owners in Pabna City, Bangladesh, to examine the benefits of rooftop gardening. Findings indicate that rooftop gardens reduced household waste by an average of 887.1g and met 41% of fertilizer demand by using biodegradable waste. Participants reported improved psychological well-being (83.9%) and increased vigor (77.4%), with anxiety and depression reduced or neutral. Rooftop gardening generated an average yearly income of 14,750 BDT, with a net income of 1293.5 BDT, and provided 387.5 kg of fruits and vegetables for household consumption, proving to be a profitable activity.
DIYCompostElderlyHealthExploring Digitalized Food Waste Management and Urban Farming Sustainability through the Sustainability Tracker 360 in Malaysian Vocational Colleges
2025Zi Jian Oh, Ainul Hayat Abdul Razak · International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences · Malaysia
An exploratory study in five Malaysian vocational colleges investigated the Sustainability Tracker 360, a digital dashboard for monitoring food waste management and urban farming. Composting systems converted 43.35 kg of food waste into 12.95 kg of organic fertilizer (29.9% conversion rate), supporting 150 potted plants. Digital monitoring strengthened accountability, fostered long-term engagement, and deepened sustainability awareness among participants.
CompostDigital agricultureFood educationOrganic cycleBiochar-based organic substrates enhance tomato growth by promoting specific microbial communities in rooftop farming
2025Miguel de Celis, Laura L. de Sosa, Giuseppe Picca, Noelia González‐Polo, Cristina Gómez Ruano, Luciano Beneduce, Claudio Zaccone, Marco Panettieri · Environmental Microbiome · Global
The influence of different organic substrates on tomato growth and its associated microbial community was studied in an open-air rooftop farming setup. Combinations of peat with compost derived from seaweed biomass or coffee byproducts (50% of volume), and how biochar-blending altered these compositions, were evaluated. Substrate properties were mainly defined by the compost feedstocks, and biochar blending had a minor influence on substrate composition, though it enhanced tomato yield. Compost feedstock had a greater impact on microbial communities, and the abundance of bacteria and fungi associated with composted seaweed biomass was positively associated with tomato yield.
CompostOrganic cycleBiodiversityImpact of waste from the municipal slaughterhouse in Nkongsamba on plant diversity (Littoral-Cameroon)
2025Yanick Borel Kamga Valerie Njitat Tsama* · Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences (JBES) · Cameroon (Nkongsamba)
This study assessed the impact of untreated waste from the municipal slaughterhouse in Nkongsamba, Cameroon, on vegetation by conducting floristic inventories at upstream, near, and downstream sites. Twenty-five 100 m2 plots were established at each site, revealing a total of 105 species from 79 genera and 41 families. The downstream site exhibited the highest species richness with 81 species, 70 genera, and 35 families, but these results showed a dominance of ruderal taxa and pollution bio-indicators like Commelina benghalensis and Tithonia diversifolia, reflecting ecological disturbance of the plant environment.
Environmental trade-offsCompostOrganic cycleUrban–rural linkageLow Carbon Adaptation through Community Composting
2025Wang, Junrong · Digital Commons - RISD (Rhode Island School of Design) · Global
This project uses landscape architecture to reduce carbon emissions from restaurants by implementing compost gardens that shorten compost transportation routes. These gardens, placed on roofs and at ground-level, create new local food sources to replace distant shipments and provide materials for organic pesticides, reducing carbon-intensive VOC emissions. The compost gardens are integrated into existing parking lots and vacant lots, forming a community garden network.
CompostCommunityClimate changeFood miles & supply chainLong-Term Manure Application in Urban Gardens: Impacts on Soil Fertility, Mineral Composition, and Variability
2025Rafael López Núñez, Paula Madejón, José Molina-Vega, Sabina Rossini-Oliva · Horticulturae · Global
This study investigated soil variability in two sections of an urban allotment garden subjected to long-term manure fertilization for 12 or 16 years, with application rates up to 10–12 kg m−2 yr−1. Prolonged manure incorporation enhanced soil fertility, increasing organic carbon, total-N, available-K, and total/available-P, and caused shifts in mineral composition with increases in Ca, inorganic C, Sr, and S. No accumulation of potentially toxic elements was observed, but pronounced spatial heterogeneity emerged among plots, with coefficients of variation up to 58% for S and 47% for Zn.
CompostOrganic cycleCommunityLearning with compost: digging down into food waste, urban soils and community
2024Edwards F., Mercer H. · Local Environment (Taylor & Francis), 29(10) · Global
An ethnographic study of ShareWaste, an online community-composting platform in Sydney and Canberra that connects food-waste donors directly with households hosting compost heaps to divert waste from landfill. Drawing on environmental humanities and discard studies, it explores the relationships among people, soil, compost, and food waste and the community-building these practices foster.
CompostOrganic cycleFood lossCommunityMunicipal Solid Waste Management in a Decentralized Composting Scenario: Assessment of the Process Reproducibility and Quality of the Obtained Composts
2024· Agronomy · Global
Assesses the reproducibility of the composting process and the quality of composts obtained under a decentralized municipal solid waste composting scenario.
DIYCompostCommunitySelection and evaluation of optimal medium for Eisenia fetida in sustainable waste recycling
2024· Discover Animals · Global
Selects and evaluates the optimal medium for the earthworm Eisenia fetida in sustainable waste recycling.
DIYCompostUrban food waste for soil amendment? Analysis and characterisation of waste-based compost for soil fertility management in agroecological horticultural production systems in the city of Rosario, Argentina
2024Terrile R., Martinez N., Brunotto F., Rizzi M., Scarpeci T., Tornaghi C. · Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems · Rosario, Argentina
Analyses and characterises urban waste-based composts used on two city farms in Rosario, evaluating their use for soil fertility management in agroecological horticultural production.
Food lossCompostOrganic cycleCombination of composted poultry manure and inorganic fertilizers enhance growth and yield of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) in a rooftop growing system
2024Moomtahina Rahman, Md. Alauddin, G. M. Mohsin, Md. Amirul Alam, M. K. Rahman · The Journal of Phytology · Global
An experiment investigated the combined impacts of composted poultry manure (CPM) and inorganic fertilizers on tomato growth and yield under rooftop growing conditions. The experiment used a completely randomized design with eight treatments and three replications. NPK fertilizers alone and CPM combined with NPK fertilizers greatly improved tomato plant growth and fruit yield, with maximum yields (68 t ha-1) and economic benefits achieved with 4 t ha-1 CPM and 100% recommended doses of NPK fertilizers.
CompostOrganic cycleDIYVermicompost (Traditional Methods) is an Important Component of Agricultural Productivity and an Efficient Tool for Environmental and Economic Sustainability
2024Muniya Naik M, Chandra Mohan K, K Janardhana, C. Aruna, Rama Mohan M, R. Uday Kiran · International Journal of Biological and Environmental Investigations · Global
This paper investigates the production, economics, and sustainability of vermicompost, an organic fertilizer made by vermicomposting organic waste with earthworms. Vermicomposting is presented as a sustainable waste management and organic agriculture option that can be economically profitable, depending on consumer awareness, distribution, and production scale. It contributes to sustainability by reducing landfill waste and promoting soil health.
CompostOrganic cycleEconomicsClimate changeSoil properties and agronomic effects of repeated biochar amendment and fertilization in an urban horticultural system of Burkina Faso
2024Delphine Manka’abusi, Nongma Armel Zongo, Désiré Jean‐Pascal Lompo, Christoph Steiner, Bernd Marschner, Andreas Buerkert · European Journal of Agronomy · Burkina Faso (Ouagadougou)
This four-year study in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, investigated the medium-term effects of repeated biochar, ECOSAN, and inorganic fertilization on urban vegetable production. Repeated biochar application at 20 t ha−1 increased soil organic carbon (SOC) by 51% under farmers' practice, while mineral fertilization alone decreased SOC by 32% and caused soil acidification. Biochar increased cabbage yield by 32% four years after application but had no effect on amaranth, and repeated application only benefited the first crop after reapplication.
Organic cycleCompostPeri-urban agricultureKompost-o-scen
2024· 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.
CompostOrganic cycleCommunityOptimizing Food Waste Decomposition through pH, Moisture Content, and Temperature Control: A Comprehensive Study
2024Abila 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.
CompostOrganic cycleDIYPoultry Litter Compost and NPK fertilizers Induced Growth and Yield Performance of Boro Rice at Rooftop Farming
2024Md. 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.
DIYCompostOrganic cycleUrban–rural linkage"APPLICATIONS AND IMPLICATION OF MICROBIAL COMMUNITIES IN COMPOST "
2024Atiqullah 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.
CompostOrganic cycleBiodiversityVermicompost: An integral part in urban agriculture
2024Veena G Sonole, Soumya CB, A Meghana, Mahesh G Shetty · International Journal of Research in Agronomy · Global
This review examines vermicomposting, a process using earthworms to convert organic waste into nutrient-rich compost. Vermicompost benefits horticultural crops, improves soil fertility, and reduces the need for chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Vermitechnology offers solutions for waste management, soil fertility, and sustainable agricultural practices in urban agriculture.
CompostOrganic cycleUrban–rural linkageFood sovereignty & justicePractice of compost use in urban farming: Opportunities and constraints in the West Region, Cameroon
2024Moye Eric Kongnso · International Journal of Environment Agriculture and Biotechnology · Cameroon
A mixed-methods study in the West Region, Cameroon, examined compost use in urban farming through 265 household surveys, 11 in-depth interviews, and one focus group. While compost availability and technical assistance favor its use, small-scale farmers face significant technical, knowledge, financial, institutional, and policy constraints. State extension services prioritize mineral fertilizers over compost, and the current regulatory framework does not encourage compost use, leading to the persistence of traditional practices.
Governance failureCompostOrganic cycleEconomicsPolicyJordkorrespondenser : episod 3
2024· KTH Publication Database DiVA (KTH Royal Institute of Technology) · Sweden
As a continuation of the ongoing "Soil Correspondences" project, people engaged in local soils were invited to write letters to soil. The letters were read and composted during a ritualized working day to create an 18-day compost, forming an ecosocial sculpture. This activity learned from the composting practices of artists Etta Säfve and Jona Elfdahl from the artist duo Gylleboverket, and the resulting compost will be returned as probiotics to the local soil.
CommunityCompostOrganic cycleHuerto escolar orgánico: una experiencia desde la educación ambiental en escolares de primaria
2024José Angel Vences-Martínez, Alejo Javier Lungo Rodríguez, Grecia Hernández Zamacona, Juan Ernesto Mendoza-Ramos, José Pepe Vargas Soberanis, José Domingo Cipriano Espino · REVISTA DE EDUCACIÓN AMBIENTAL Y SOSTENIBILIDAD · Global
An organic School Garden (HE) was designed through Environmental Education (EA) workshops for 13 sixth-grade primary school children. The project aimed to develop students' attitudes and skills regarding global environmental problems and their environment. Three EA workshops were designed: "Knowing my Garden," "Locating my garden," and "Composting," followed by two workshops for preparing and sowing the garden.
Food educationCommunityCompostOrganic compost belowground and floral diversity aboveground interactively shape beneficial insects in urban gardens
2024Carmen K. Blubaugh, R. Chesnut, Katherine Hagan · Journal of Applied Ecology · Global
This study investigated how organic composts mediate the effects of plant diversity across trophic levels over two field seasons, conducting 18 experiments in school gardens. Vermicompost strengthened a positive relationship between flower richness and foliar-feeding omnivores, but predators increased with flower richness and were not affected by vermicompost. The net outcomes of vermicompost and plant diversity were neutral for herbivores.
CompostBiodiversityPollinatorsOrganic cycleFood education