Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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Critical findings
892 results(20 / 36)
Assessing Nutrient Removal in Stormwater Runoff for Urban Farming with Iron filings-based Green Environmental Media
2020Dan Wen, Ni‐Bin Chang, Martin P. Wanielista · Scientific Reports · Global
This study assessed the nutrient removal efficiencies of Iron Filings-based Green Environmental Media (IFGEM) for stormwater runoff, using an isotherm study, a column study of reaction kinetics, and microstructure examination. IFGEM, made from recycled materials like tire crumb and iron filings, demonstrated over 90% nitrate removal and 50-70% total phosphorus removal under most inlet conditions. The ammonia byproduct allows for potential reuse of spent IFGEM as soil amendments in urban farming applications.
Organic cycleClimate changeDIYClimate Factors and Climate Change in Urban Agroecosystems
2020Monika Egerer · · Global
This chapter discusses how climate-related factors and climate change may affect the biodiversity of plants and animals in urban agroecosystems, and the ecosystem functions and services they provide. It notes that little research in urban agroecology explicitly investigates the impacts of local weather patterns or regional climate cycles on biodiversity, ecosystem functions, or service delivery. The chapter aims to bridge agricultural and urban literature to enhance understanding of social-ecological processes in urban agroecosystems during the climate change era.
Climate changeBiodiversityCommunityDIYRooftop gardening to improve food security in Dhaka city: A review of the present practices
2020Mohammad Hasan Chowdhury, Md. Fahim Sharker Eashat, Chinmoy Sarkar, Nafisa Habib Purba, Mohammad Asadul Habib, Plabon Sarkar, Lincon Chandra Shill · International Multidisciplinary Research Journal · Bangladesh (Dhaka)
Rooftop gardening for vegetable production has gained momentum in Dhaka City, Bangladesh, offering alternative spaces for urban agriculture and contributing to agricultural sustainability. While rooftop agriculture can improve ecosystem services, biodiversity, and food security, its widespread implementation is currently limited by multiple challenges. Green roofs are considered a supplement to other urban food production sources, not a total solution for food security.
DIYFood sovereignty & justiceBiodiversityClimate changeEffect of medium size and compost dose on organic red lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. Var red rapids) cultivation in pots
2020Sugeng Triyono, Fadli Afrizki Surya Aditama, Elhamida Rezkia, D Dermiyati, Jamalam Lumbanraja · World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews · Indonesia
This pot experiment in Indonesia investigated the effect of medium size and organic compost dosage on the growth and yield of red lettuce. Red lettuce growth was depressed at 1kg and 3kg medium sizes but grew more freely at 5kg. The study found that the 3kg medium size with 10% compost dose yielded 75.3g per plant, which was considered the most optimum treatment due to using the least medium and compost, despite restricted growth.
DIYCompostOrganic cycleEvaluations of internet of things-based personal smart farming system for residential apartments
2020Fatin Natasya Shuhaimi, Nursuriati Jamil, Raseeda Hamzah · Bulletin of Electrical Engineering and Informatics · Global
This study proposed and evaluated two Internet of Things (IoT)-based smart farming system designs for personal use in residential apartments, focusing on humidity and temperature monitoring. After comparing sensor readings (DHT 11 and DHT 22) over three days against actual environmental values, and assessing implementation costs and power consumption, the findings regarding accuracy and costs were inconclusive.
Limited or null effectDIYDigital agricultureHealthThe “PV Rooftop Garden”: Providing Recreational Green Roofs and Renewable Energy as a Multifunctional System within One Surface Area
2020Stefan Sattler, Irene Zluwa, Doris Österreicher · Applied Sciences · Global
An interdisciplinary study developed and tested designs for integrating photovoltaic (PV) systems into rooftop gardens, focusing on retrofitting flat roofs. Prototypes were analyzed for structural design, plant choices, and energy output. The study found that concurrent integration of PVs and green roofs is achievable with lightweight construction, suitable for existing buildings, contributing to urban renewable energy, UHI mitigation, and recreational spaces.
Climate changeBiodiversityDIYRespon Polikultur Cabai Rawit Dan Sawi Terhadap Waktu Pengomposan Dan Dosis Kompos Kulit Bawang Merah
2020Peileku Yikwa, Luluk Syahr Banu · Jurnal Ilmiah Respati · Indonesia
An experimental study conducted at the Greenhouse of the Faculty of Agriculture, Respati University, Indonesia, from February to August 2019, investigated the response of chili and mustard greens polyculture in polybags to onion peel compost composting time and dose. Using a factorial completely randomized design, onion peel compost doses (0, 100, 150, 200 gr/polybag) and composting times (24, 36 hours) were examined. The results showed that applying 100 grams/polybag of 36-hour compost yielded the highest plant weight (211.25 grams) and chili fruit weight (73.25 grams) for polycultured chili and mustard greens.
CompostDIYFood sovereignty & justiceRAINWATER HARVESTING AS AN ALTERNATIVE FOR URBAN AGRICULTURE IN WANGGU CATCHMENT AREA, SOUTH EAST SULAWESI, INDONESIA
2020Fajar Baskoro Wicaksono, Meitharisha Fakhdiyar Hasani, Pandu Yuri Pratama, Henny Yunita, Idham Riyando Moe · · Indonesia
This paper investigates rainwater harvesting as an alternative for urban agriculture in the Wanggu Catchment Area, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. It calculates the water needs for cabbage (281.15 mm/total growing period) and spinach (108.83 mm/total growing period) based on FAO standards. Simulation results indicate that with a 100 m2 rainwater catchment area, spinach can be planted more frequently (4 periods) and in a wider area (29.06 m2) compared to cabbage (2 periods, 22.51 m2).
DIYClimate changeUrban–rural linkageEcological Resilience of Food Systems in Response to the COVID-19 Crisis
2020James Worstell · Journal of Agriculture Food Systems and Community Development · Global
This paper examines the resilience of food systems during the COVID-19 disruption. It notes trends such as direct food delivery, online farmers markets, Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs), backyard food production, expansion of seed producers and plant nurseries, and increased home cooking. These trends are viewed as complex adaptive systems.
CSA & TeikeiDIYClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceNudging children toward healthier food choices: An experiment combining school and home gardens
2020Pepijn Schreinemachers, Ghassan Baliki, Rachana Manandhar Shrestha, Dhruba Raj Bhattarai, Ishwori Prasad Gautam, Puspa Lal Ghimire, Bhishma P. Subedi, Tilman Brück · Global Food Security · Nepal
A one-year cluster randomized controlled trial in Nepal (2018-2019) with 779 schoolchildren (8-12) and their caregivers across 30 schools tested the impact of combining school and home gardens on food choices. The intervention increased caregivers' food and nutrition knowledge by 26%, agricultural knowledge by 5%, liking for vegetables by 10%, and home garden productivity by 15%. For children, it had no effect on food and nutrition knowledge but increased their liking for vegetables by 6%, healthy food practices, and vegetable consumption by 15-26% across different periods.
Food educationDIYHealthCommunityEffects of nitrogen recycling by human urine fertilization on butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea) plant in green wall system on AIT campus
2020Ahmad Shabir Hozad · Environmental Research and Technology · Thailand
This study investigated the effects of human urine as fertilizer on butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea) plants in a green wall system on the AIT campus. Applied at a nitrogen loading rate of up to 0.73 g N m-2 week-1 (104.28 mL urine m-2 week-1) for 16 weeks, urine fertilizer positively affected the food production, inflorescences, and health of butterfly pea plants, indicating it is suitable for green walls. This method could reduce campus wastewater load and save on expensive wastewater treatment.
Organic cycleCompostDIYClimate changeRespon Tanaman Pakcoy (Brassica Rapa L.) terhadap Pupuk Pelengkap Cair pada Sistem Vertikultur
2020Dedi Sudarmaji, Ruswadi Muchtar, Ayu Vandira Candra Kusumah · Jurnal Ilmiah Respati · Indonesia
This study investigated the response of pakcoy plants to liquid supplementary fertilizer in a vertical culture system. Using a Randomized Block Design with six treatments and three replications, researchers observed variables such as leaf count, leaf width, plant height, fresh weight, and dry weight. The results showed that treatment P4, with a liquid supplementary fertilizer concentration of 2.5cc/liter of water, yielded the best plant height, leaf width, leaf count, fresh weight, and dry weight for pakcoy plants.
DIYDigital agricultureFood sovereignty & justiceIs gardening associated with greater happiness of urban residents? A multi-activity, dynamic assessment in the Twin-Cities region, USA
2020Graham Ambrose, Kirti Das, Yingling Fan, Anu Ramaswami · Landscape and Urban Planning · United States (Minneapolis-St. Paul Area)
Emotional well-being (EWB) during household gardening and other activities was measured in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Area, USA, using an app-based Day Reconstruction Method. Among 370 participants, 118 (32%) reported engaging in household gardening. Gardening EWB ranked among the top 5 out of 15 activities for three average EWB measures and was not statistically different from biking, walking, and eating out. Average net affect of gardening was significantly higher for vegetable gardeners, low-income gardeners, and women, while companionship, race/ethnicity, and urban versus suburban location showed no significant difference.
HealthCommunityDIYRelevance of edible landscaping concept in food security
2020Christiana Olusola Owolabi, Olukemi Ifetola Adediran, T.T. Joseph-Adekunle, J. G. Bodunde, O.O. Olubode · Nigerian Journal of Horticultural Science · Nigeria (Abeokuta)
A two-year study at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria, assessed the use of Purple Basil (Ocimum basilicum) in landscaping under different management practices (manuring, mulching, hedge trimming). Manuring resulted in taller plants with more branches and contributed to improved yield and hedge formation. Manured and trimmed plants yielded 2.0 kg/plot, slightly higher than manured and mulched plants (1.9 kg/plot).
Food sovereignty & justiceDIYWithstanding pandemic through education, economic and health policies
2020Jose Benito C Ronolo, Margarita Cuadra, J. Q. Cabada, Amaya Caballero, Omar A. Tantoy · European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine · Philippines
This paper examines the impacts of COVID-19 in the Philippines by reviewing five research articles and formulating twelve policy statements across education, health and safety, and economic dimensions. For the economic dimension, recommended policies include encouraging home or urban gardening, initiating hydroponics, aquaponics, and horticulture gardening, and institutionalizing the "Farm Food Box." These policies aim to mitigate the pandemic's impacts in the Philippines.
PolicyHealthEconomicsDIYPsychosocial outcomes as motivations for urban gardening: A cross-cultural comparison of Swiss and Chilean gardeners
2020Robert Home, Lorena Vieli · Urban forestry & urban greening · Switzerland, Chile
This study evaluated gardening motivations using a 14-item scale and questionnaires in three Swiss cities (N=409) and one Chilean city (N=167). While individual scale items showed significant differences between Swiss and Chilean responses, a principal component analysis revealed nearly identical component structures for both samples. Restoration was the strongest motivational component, followed by socialization and food production, suggesting motivations are not context-dependent.
CommunityHealthDIYPenampilan Karakter Hortikultura Beberapa Varietas Tomat Hibrida di Rumah Kaca Dataran Rendah
2020Ady Daryanto, Muhammad Ridha Alfarabi Istiqlal, Ummu Kalsum, Ratih Kurniasih · Jurnal Agronomi Indonesia (Indonesian Journal of Agronomy) · Indonesia (Depok City)
This research evaluated the horticultural characteristics of five hybrid tomato varieties grown in a lowland greenhouse at Gunadarma University, Depok City, West Java, from October 2018 to January 2019. Tymoti and Tantyna varieties performed well, while Agatha and Ultima showed a 40% decrease in fruit size, and Rewako was unsuitable due to high flower dropping and low fruit setting. Significant differences were observed across all quantitative characters among the varieties.
DIYFood sovereignty & justiceHealthEnvironmental Education for Early Childhood Through Planting Activities in Khansa Kindergarten (TK Khansa) Medan
2020Rahmawaty Rahmawaty · Journal of Saintech Transfer · Indonesia (Medan)
This activity at Khansa Kindergarten in Medan aimed to provide environmental education for early childhood by engaging students in planting various types of plants, including vegetables, ornamental plants, fruits, and medicinal plants. The activity involved preparing planting media, planting, and harvesting fast-growing vegetables. The results showed that the children were enthusiastic and happy, and the school environment became greener and more beautiful with the increased vegetation.
Food educationCommunityDIYA Espiral de Ervas como dispositivo estético-educacional, inspirando o cultivo urbano e a consciência ambiental
2020Fernando Marcelo Cardozo, Ramiro Bastos · Cadernos de Agroecologia · Brazil
An experiment conducted in Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil, between 2016 and 2019, involved over 40 events focused on constructing spiral herb beds in various city neighborhoods. These events, structured as permacultural workshops, aimed to transmit knowledge and stimulate knowledge exchange among participants. Lectures covered topics such as agroecology, urban agriculture, ancestral peoples, and community gardens, using technical, popular, and artistic languages to engage diverse audiences.
Food educationCommunityDIYBukti Korespondensi WJARR: Effect of medium size and compost dose on organic red lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. Var red rapids) cultivation in pots
2020Sugeng Triyono · · Indonesia
This study observed the effect of medium size and organic compost dosage on the growth and yield of red lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var red rapids) in pots. A 3x4 factorial treatment in a completely randomized design with 3 replicates tested medium sizes (1kg, 3kg, 5kg) and organic compost dosages (0%, 10%, 30%, 50%). Results showed that red rapid lettuce growth was depressed at 1kg and 3kg medium sizes but grew more freely at 5kg. The treatment combination of 3kg medium size-10% compost dose, yielding 75.3g per plant, was considered the most optimum due to using the least amount of medium and compost, despite restricted growth.
DIYCompostOrganic cycleWho practices urban agriculture? An empirical analysis of participation before and during the COVID‐19 pandemic
2020Lauren Chenarides, Carola Grebitus, Jayson L. Lusk, Iryna Printezis · Agribusiness · United States
This study examined household-level participation in urban agriculture (community and home growing) before (2017) and during (2020 lockdown) the COVID-19 pandemic in Phoenix, AZ, and Detroit, MI, using two online surveys and bivariate probit models. It found that considerably fewer individuals participated in community gardens compared to home gardening, and overall participation was lower in 2020 than in 2017. The continuity of individuals' participation in growing food at community gardens and home is fragile, and many urban households' food-growing practices may not yet be mainstream, suggesting other barriers inhibit participation.
Limited or null effectCommunityDIYHealthPEMANFAATAN LIMBAH CANGKANG TELUR SEBAGAI PUPUK MAKRO (Ca) PADA TANAMAN BAWANG MERAH
2020Fetty Dwi Rahmayanti · · Indonesia (Jakarta)
This research focuses on utilizing waste chicken and duck eggshells as organic fertilizer for shallot plants cultivated in pots, particularly in Cipinang Melayu Village, East Jakarta, Indonesia. The study aims to process eggshell waste into eggshell flour fertilizer to provide nutrition for shallot plants. During the research, each stage of shallot growth and development will be observed from planting to harvesting.
CompostDIYOrganic cycleFood sovereignty & justiceFuture research directions
2020Ferne Edwards, Anitra Nelson · · Global
This chapter suggests future research directions in food for degrowth studies, drawing from a collection of case studies and critiques. It offers transdisciplinary theoretical and practical approaches and key research questions, covering topics like household self-provisioning, collective endeavors, networks, and degrowth perspectives on the circular economy and food waste. The chapter proposes research questions related to accessibility, visibility, temporality, spatiality, and various measures.
DIYCSA & TeikeiCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH EFFECTIVE ROOFTOP FARMING IN AN URBAN AREA
2020Udhayabanu.D, Sharmilabanu.D · Studies in Indian Place Names · India
This study investigates rooftop farming in an urban area in India, focusing on the growth ratios of two plants cultivated using different substrate ratios, including garden soil and kitchen waste compost. Measurements included stem height, leaf height, girth, root height, and total growth time. The study suggests that rooftop cultivation contributes to environmental sustainability by increasing green cover, reducing carbon levels, and decreasing household organic kitchen waste.
DIYCompostOrganic cycleClimate changeThe Effect of Irrigation Treatment on the Growth of Lavender Species in an Extensive Green Roof System
2020A.T. Paraskevopoulou, Panagiotis Tsarouchas, Paraskevi A. Londra, A. Kamoutsis · Water · Global
This study investigated the effect of irrigation amount on the growth of four lavender species (Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula dentata var. candicans, Lavandula dentata var. dentata, and Lavandula stoechas) in an extensive green roof system. Two irrigation treatments (high and low), determined by substrate hydraulic properties, were applied, and plant growth was measured. The results consistently showed that low irrigation reduced plant growth. However, with the exception of L. stoechas, the appearance of plants under low irrigation was satisfactory, supporting their use with reduced water.
Limited or null effectDIYClimate change