Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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Critical findings
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Model dan Tata Kelola Pertanian Kota Berbasis Ekonomi Hijau pada Rumah Susun di DKI Jakarta
2026Aliyah Revitaningrum Revitaningrum, Arif Rizqi Azhari, Ahmad Arifuddin, Derryl Fadhlurrahman Abdul Rozzaq · PENA BANGSA Bisnis dan Tata Kelola Publik Adaptif · Indonesia (DKI Jakarta)
This qualitative literature review aimed to formulate a conceptual model for integrating urban agriculture and green economy principles in apartment housing in DKI Jakarta, Indonesia. Based on previous studies, the findings suggest that urban agriculture can be implemented through a modular vertical bioclimatic skin concept. This model has the potential to improve energy efficiency, reduce water consumption, support carbon-emission reduction, strengthen food resilience, create green economic opportunities, and enhance social cohesion.
CommunityOrganic cycleClimate changeEconomicsLife Cycle Sustainability Assessment of Urban Wastewater Reuse: Successes, Persistent Pitfalls, and a Practical Path Forward
2026Eleonora Santos, Zeeshan Arshad · Sustainability · Global
This critical narrative review synthesized evidence from 25 peer-reviewed studies on Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) applications in urban municipal wastewater reuse. While positive outcomes were reported under specific conditions like low-carbon energy grids and short transport distances, persistent methodological pitfalls were identified. These include weak pillar integration, an underdeveloped social dimension, inconsistent system boundaries, and insufficient consideration of absolute sustainability.
Methodological critiqueClimate changeOrganic cyclePolicyDAMPAK PENGEMBANGAN KEBUN KOMUNITAS TERHADAP PRODUKTIVITAS PANEN, DIGITALISASI TRANSAKSI, DAN PENGELOLAAN LIMBAH: PKM SAUNG ASRI 2 DI JAKARTA UTARA
2026Sasti Permata, Asri Ardiati Sunoto, Septiani Juniarti · Jurnal Abdi Insani · Indonesia
This community service program at Kebun Saung Asri 2 in North Jakarta transformed an unproductive space into a productive green area through citizen initiative. Activities included socialization, training, technology implementation (hydroponics, drip irrigation, composters, QRIS), and mentoring. The program resulted in increased harvest productivity, diversification of processed products, strengthened community institutions, active community participation, and the creation of an educational and social green space.
CommunityEconomicsOrganic cycleDigital agricultureHuertos urbanos comunitarios y su contribución al escalamiento agroecológico en una ciudad intermedia: un estudio de caso en Jovel, San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Chiapas, México
2026Jesús De la Rocha Illanes · Revista de Estudios Urbanos y Territoriales IBU · Mexico (San Cristóbal de Las Casas)
A qualitative, exploratory-descriptive study was conducted on four community urban gardens in San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico, to understand how agroecological scaling occurs and what practices comprise it. The research found that agroecological scaling in these gardens is essentially horizontal and deep, occurring at a microsocial level, person-to-person, and intergenerationally; however, the vertical facet of this process appears to be weakened. Agroecological practices include collective/collaborative composting of organic matter, ecotechnology engineering, links with local socioeconomic and solidarity networks, digital presence, reintegration of agricultural ceremonies/rituals in the urban context, and collective actions against eviction attempts.
CommunityOrganic cycleBiodiversityFood sovereignty & justiceDevelopment of Carbon Pools and Enzyme Activities in Constructed Urban Soils
2026Pasquale Napoletano, Maha Deeb, Sara Perl Egendorf, Brooke Singer, Zhongqi Cheng, Erika Di Iorio, Anna De Marco, Claudio Colombo, Peter Groffman · European Journal of Soil Science · Global
This study tracked the development and dynamics of organic matter pools over 21 months in constructed soils (1/3 compost, 2/3 fine glacio-fluvial sediments) with eight different vegetation treatments. Time and vegetation were the main drivers influencing soil parameters. A high diversity "All" treatment significantly enriched mineral/sand-associated organic carbon (MSOC) and nitrogen (MSON) by 15% and 12% respectively, compared to a non-vegetated "Bare" treatment. The presence of sunflower was associated with low values of nitrate-N, particulate organic N, hot-water extractable carbon, and β-glucosidase.
CompostOrganic cycleClimate changeScalable biochar-enriched agriculture model assessing financial viability of the sustainable temporary use for brownfields: the Špitálka case
2026Ladislava Grochová, Marek Litzman, Veronika Solilová, Helena Dvořáčková · Frontiers in Sustainable Cities · Czechia
This study used a simulation model to assess the financial viability of temporary urban agricultural projects on brownfield sites, specifically social farming and community garden models, at the Špitálka brownfield site in Brno, Czechia. The analysis found that carbon offsets were economically marginal, but a strategic combination of labor and establishment subsidies was crucial for financial survival. The Community Garden model showed higher self-sustainability potential (BCR > 1.0), while the Social Farming model required nearly 100% subsidy to break even (NPV = 0).
EconomicsCommunityOrganic cycleClimate changeDiscovering Soil Diversity
2026Birgitta Goldschmidt · International explorations in outdoor and environmental education · Global
This chapter presents a basic course in soil science to help teachers and students understand and manage soil in school gardens. The basics of soil science, evaluating and improving one's own soil, and managing it with knowledge and appreciation can be learned in school gardens. Methods such as composting, careful tillage, mulching, green manuring, favorable crop rotation, and minimal compaction can keep soil fertile and vibrant in the long term.
Food educationCompostOrganic cycleFlorida–Friendly Edible Landscaping Educational Campaign
2026Tiare Silvasy · Proceedings of the Florida State Horticultural Society · United States (Florida)
An educational campaign was conducted in Florida to teach people how to grow food in an environmentally friendly way, specifically tailored for edible crops. The campaign covered topics such as efficient irrigation, planting the right variety at the right time, advanced soil building techniques, and integrated pest management strategies. Science-based information was made available online through multiple formats, including EDIS publications, an infographic, blogs, PowerPoint presentations, and YouTube webinar recordings. This campaign reached thousands of people and provided information to encourage environmentally friendly decisions in edible landscapes.
DIYFood educationOrganic cycleClimate changeOptimalisasi Rumah Magot untuk Reduksi Sampah Organik dan Peningkatan Produktivitas Berbasis Ekonomi Sirkular
2026Wiendy Puspita Sari, Resanti Lestari, Tri Widiastuty, Chasano daffansyah, Nessa Deragia Saptiyanto, Alia Reinacaesar, Syafira Ardana, Stefanny · Jurnal Dharma Bhakti Ekuitas · Indonesia (Bandung)
This community program in Cigadung Subdistrict, Bandung City, aimed to enhance residents' capacity for organic waste management using black soldier fly (BSF) larvae within a circular economy framework. Implemented at Buruan SAE Barokah and Bumi Lestari, the program involved constructing biopond systems, integrating them with urban farming, and providing technical and entrepreneurship training. Results showed improved skills and operational capacity, with maggot production increasing from 4 kg to 8–9 kg per week, and frass used as organic fertilizer for urban farming.
Organic cycleCompostCommunityEconomicsPelatihan Pembuatan Ecobrick Dalam Mendukung Urban Farming Berkelanjutan Pada KWT Rezeki Bersama
2026Yurike Yurike, Urip Santoso, Reflis Reflis, Elsa Lolita Putri · Jurnal Altifani Penelitian dan Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat · Indonesia
An ecobrick manufacturing training program was conducted for the Women Farmers Group "KWT Rezeki Bersama" in Beringin Raya Village, Bengkulu City, Indonesia, to address high volumes of household plastic waste and limited growing media in urban farming. The program aimed to equip KWT members with skills to process plastic waste into functional and environmentally friendly growing media. Activities included outreach, Q&A discussions, and practical ecobrick making.
DIYCommunityFood educationOrganic cycleSynergistic effects of vermicompost and biochar amendments on cherry tomato production in an urban rooftop garden: A 2‐year study
2026Mohammad Mahbub Islam, Robiul Islam, Rezowana Nizam, Nigar Afsana, Sadman Sakib, Suraya Parvin, Jubayer Al Mahmud, Md. Hasanuzzaman · Urban Agriculture & Regional Food Systems · Global
This 2-year study evaluated the growth, physiology, and yield response of cherry tomatoes in different rooftop soil media supplemented with vermicompost and biochar in an urban rooftop garden. Using a completely randomized design with nine treatments and four replications, the combined application of vermicompost and biochar consistently outperformed individual applications. Treatments with 74% soil, 20% vermicompost, and 6% biochar resulted in the tallest plants, highest leaf number, thick stems, high leaf greenness, high relative water content, and highest fruit yield across both years. Although fruit yield declined by 20.49% in the second year, residual amendment effects continued to enhance plant performance relative to untreated soil.
DIYCompostOrganic cycleClimate changeFrom factory to community:Integrated design to upcycle waste construction materials from modular building factories for community gardens in West Yorkshire
2026Yun Gao, Nwakaego Onyenokporo, Manas; id_orcid 0000-0003-4791-8583 Murthy, Tamiris; id_orcid 0000-0002-4563-2429 Capellaro Ferreira · Huddersfield Research Portal (University of Huddersfield) · United Kingdom
This paper examines how integrated design supports the effective reuse of waste materials from a modular building factory through the design of a community garden pavilion. Using Whole Lifecycle Assessment, the carbon impacts of three scenarios were evaluated. Results showed that the scenario reusing waste materials (Case 3) achieved an 81% reduction in whole-life carbon emissions, totaling 3,044.99 kgCO₂e, compared to the baseline scenario using new materials (Case 1).
CommunityClimate changeOrganic cycleDesign as a tool for experiential food education: Research into practice through a proximity-based therapeutic garden
2026Anna C. Catania, Carmen Trischitta · Design Studies · Italy
This paper examined the role of design as a catalyst in experiential food education through the Curortò project, a therapeutic garden established within the G. Di Cristina Children's Hospital. Employing a participatory action research methodology, the project involved hospitalized children, healthcare professionals, educators, and local community actors in a collaborative design process. Detailed observation, field diaries, and qualitative interviews provided evidence of significant improvements in children's understanding of seasonal food cycles, resource management, and circular economy principles, accompanied by reduced stress levels and increased operational autonomy.
Food educationHealthCommunityOrganic cycleImpact of greenhouse practices on infective capacity of arbuscular mycorrhiza in peri-urban horticulture
2026Carolina Rothen, Julián Gabriel Riso, Betina I. Stephan, Josefina Bompadre, Laura Fernández Bidondo · Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems · Argentina (Buenos Aires)
This study analyzed arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi in greenhouse soil from lettuce plants under agroecological, organic, and conventional management in Buenos Aires, Argentina. While agroecological management increased AM spore counts and infective propagules, effective mycorrhization of lettuce roots was low across all systems. Intensive greenhouse practices suppressed successful crop colonization, indicating a reduced AM inoculum infective potential.
Limited or null effectPeri-urban agricultureOrganic cycleBiodiversityKonsep Integrated Urban Farming System (IUFS) sebagai model pertanian perkotaan berkelanjutan
2026Luqman Darmawan, Edeng Hidayat, Asep Najmudin, Intan Meylan · Composite Jurnal Ilmu Pertanian · Indonesia (Bandung)
This study implemented and analyzed an Integrated Urban Farming System (IUFS) model on a limited 100 m² land area in Sukapura Village, Bandung City, Indonesia. Using descriptive-analytical and limited experimental methods over one production cycle, the IUFS model integrated hydroponics, Nile tilapia aquaculture, and local chicken farming. Results indicated that the hydroponic system achieved high and stable vegetable productivity, with tilapia pond water substituting liquid organic fertilizer without reducing crop yield. The tilapia and chicken subsystems demonstrated good growth performance and improved feed efficiency, forming an effective nutrient cycle overall.
Urban–rural linkageOrganic cycleFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changePengelolaanSampah OrganikBerbasis Maggot sebagai Strategi Pendukung Urban Farming Berkelanjutan di Pamekasan
2026Sustiyana Sustiyana, Teguh Soedarto · Jurnal Agrosains Karya Kreatif dan Inovatif · Indonesia (Pamekasan)
This study aimed to analyze the influence of access to organic waste, training and education on waste management, government policy support, environmental and social awareness, and business opportunities on income and environmental preservation in sustainable urban farming in Pamekasan. Conducted at Roemah Maggot Nusantara, which uses Black Soldier Fly maggots for organic waste management, the study used multiple linear regression analysis. Results showed that all independent variables simultaneously had a significant effect on income and environmental preservation. However, partially, only environmental and social awareness had a significant effect, while access to organic waste, training and education, government policy support, and business opportunities did not show a significant effect.
Limited or null effectOrganic cycleCompostClimate changeEconomicsAnalisis Keberlanjutan Usaha Sayuran Hidroponik (Studi Kasus Griya Hijau Hidroponik Kota Bandung)
2026Rifda Nazhifa, Rani Andriani Budi Kusumo · MIMBAR AGRIBISNIS Jurnal Pemikiran Masyarakat Ilmiah Berwawasan Agribisnis · Indonesia (Bandung)
This qualitative case study analyzed the sustainability of hydroponic vegetable farming at Griya Hijau Hidroponik in Bandung City. The findings indicate that the business demonstrates social and ecological sustainability, with strong community partnerships and environmentally friendly practices. However, its economic sustainability shows limited profitability despite stable operations and a positive Return on Investment.
Economic viabilityEconomicsCommunityOrganic cycleCommunity-Based Phytoremediation of Lead Contaminated Urban Garden Soil
2026Hailey E. Kirkland, Donovan G. Doolittle, Kamila Deavers · ACS Sustainable Resource Management · United States (Indianapolis)
A collaborative phytoremediation initiative was conducted in a 2-acre urban community garden in a low-income Indianapolis neighborhood to address lead-contaminated soil. Soil testing revealed lead concentrations between 100–400 ppm, leading to tailored crop and hyperaccumulator rotations. The integrated design successfully enabled both soil decontamination and continued crop supply, with lead concentration in one section reduced from 380 ± 47 ppm to 167 ± 52 ppm (p < 0.05) over two seasons. However, the community's immediate nutritional needs constrained complete lead removal.
CommunityHealthOrganic cycleWelfareCommunity gardens as locally embedded nature-based solutions: a comparative study of Budapest and Turin
2026Luca Battisti, Adrienne Csizmady, Federico Cuomo, Luca Kristóf, Boldizsár Megyesi · Sustainability Science Practice and Policy · Hungary (Budapest)
This study examined how community gardens in Budapest and Turin function as locally embedded nature-based solutions (NbS) through the everyday practices of urban residents. Based on a qualitative analysis of 47 semi-structured interviews conducted in five gardens in Budapest and two in Turin, findings showed that gardeners practice NbS-aligned approaches. Socially, they foster well-being, inclusion, and community cohesion; technically, they adapt to resource constraints through low-tech experimentation and collaborative problem-solving; and ecologically, they support biodiversity, soil regeneration, and microclimate regulation through organic cultivation and composting.
CommunityBiodiversityCompostOrganic cycleHealthPolicyDesafios sobre os resíduos orgânicos em áreas urbanas:
2026Mayara Grazielle Consentino Ferreira da Silva, Karina Amendola da Silva Guimarães, Monique das Neves Silva · Revista Tamoios · Global
This paper discusses the challenges and benefits of composting organic waste in urban areas, examining community urban agriculture experiences, a university campus, and corporate environments. Community composting in urban agriculture showed that community involvement is crucial for success, fostering socio-environmental coexistence and low-cost use of degraded urban areas. However, composting on a university campus proved difficult to implement due to a lack of dedicated labor, despite student engagement.
CompostCommunityOrganic cyclePemberdayaan Masyarakat Urban Melalui Pemanfaatan Limbah Organik Menjadi Pupuk Serta Pangan Melalui Integrasi Maggot BSF Dan Ayam Di Kampung Telolet Om, Karangbesuki, Malang
2026Sri Suhartini, Bambang Susilo, Gabryna A Auliya Nugroho, Christina Wahyu Kartikowati, Ni’matul Izza, Riris Waladatun Nafi’ah, Ainur Ainur Rohma, Andhika Putra Agus Pratama · JAPI (Jurnal Akses Pengabdian Indonesia) · Indonesia (Malang)
In Kampung Telolet Om, Malang, Indonesia, a circular economy program integrating Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae and laying hens was implemented for 20 residents to address organic waste and food insecurity. The program processed household organic waste into BSF larvae feed, substituted chicken feed, produced organic fertilizers, and applied them to urban farming. Pre- and post-tests showed participants' knowledge increased from 44.12% to 53.82%, successfully reducing organic waste volume and producing food products.
CommunityOrganic cycleFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsEarly Detection of Escherichia coli Producing Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase (ESBL) in Cattle Farm Waste from Urban Jakarta
2026Aulia Maulida, Syafitri Jumianto, Riris Lindiawati Puspitasari, S.Si., M.Si · Prosiding Seminar Nasional Pemberdayaan Masyarakat (SENDAMAS) · Indonesia (Jakarta)
This study examined cattle manure from an urban farm in South Jakarta for the presence of Escherichia coli resistant to third-generation cephalosporins. Using total plate count, selective culture, Gram staining, and biochemical identification, presumptive ESBL-producing E. coli strains were detected. Bacterial growth on cefotaxime-supplemented media indicated phenotypic resistance, demonstrating that urban cattle manure may serve as a reservoir of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Contamination & food safetyHealthOrganic cycleApplying recovered nutrients and pruning waste to enrich and regenerate agricultural soils in urban agriculture: Effects on emissions and yield of spinach and sweet potato
2026Guido Evangelista, Juan David Arosemena, Gaia Stringari, Joan Romanyà, Xavier Gabarrell, Francesco Orsini, Gara Villalba · Agriculture Ecosystems & Environment · Global
This study evaluated the application of 150 t ha-1 of ramial chipped wood (RCW) to degraded peri-urban agricultural soils, comparing its effects on yield, soil health, and greenhouse gas emissions for spinach and sweet potato. Spinach grown with RCW showed the lowest productivity (1.16 – 0.32 kg m-2) among treatments, while sweet potato achieved the highest yield (1.72 – 1.99 kg m-2). High RCW doses initially led to higher CO2 emissions but significantly reduced N2O emissions for spinach (from 0.36 kg ha-1 to 0.07 kg ha-1) and enhanced soil organic carbon and nitrogen stocks for sweet potato, indicating agronomic and environmental trade-offs.
Environmental trade-offsOrganic cycleCompostClimate changePeri-urban agricultureDrainage and Pedestrian Access Improvements at City Farms SLO
2026Benjamin Marc Kocher, Jacob Anthony Booker · DigitalCommons - CalPoly (California State Polytechnic University) · United States (California)
This senior project planned, designed, and constructed drainage and pedestrian access improvements at City Farms SLO, a nonprofit in San Luis Obispo, California. Prior to construction, the site experienced stormwater pooling and erosion in a central area. The team excavated an 80-foot trench drain, installed a 15-foot corrugated HDPE culvert, built a seven-foot pedestrian bridge, and created a 17-foot gravel pathway. These upgrades effectively mitigated stormwater pooling and erosion while enhancing safe pedestrian access for visitors and program participants.
CommunityFood educationOrganic cycleTransforming horticultural productivity with organic manures in geotextile vertical farming
2026ANZUMAN RAHMAN NITU, Sohel Rana Mazumder, Abul Hasnat Muhammad Solaiman · Journal of Bioscience and Environment Research · Bangladesh (Dhaka)
A study conducted from December 2019 to April 2020 at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh, evaluated organic manure-based substrates in geotextile vertical farming for mint, chili, and Indian spinach. The substrate combining vermicompost, coco fibre, and soil consistently enhanced the growth and yield of all three crops, producing the highest yields per plant compared to other treatments.
Organic cycleCompostClimate changeDigital agriculture