Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
984 results(24 / 40)
Exploring the Environmental Performance of Urban Symbiosis for Vertical Hydroponic Farming
2019Michael Martin, Sofia Poulikidou, Elvira Molin · Sustainability · Global
This study used life cycle assessment (LCA) to evaluate the environmental performance of using urban residual material flows in vertical hydroponic farming. It assessed replacing conventional growing media with paper, compost, and brewers’ spent grains, and conventional fertilizers with biogas digestate. The results indicate significant environmental performance benefits when conventional growing media are replaced, and substantial potential benefits, though less significant, when fertilizers from residual urban streams are used, suggesting potential for more circular hydroponic systems.
Organic cycleClimate changeEconomicsDigital agricultureUrban Farming Using Upcycling Technique of Brassica rapa L. Cv (Pechay Tagalog) in Ermita, Manila, Philippines
2019Alma E. Nacua · Modern Concepts & Developments in Agronomy · Philippines (Manila)
This paper aimed to observe Pechay stem growth in loam soil planted in recycled fruit Styrofoam boxes and to upcycle Pechay stems in Ermita, Manila, Philippines, also observing signs of infection. An experimental design method was used, with Pechay seeds grown in the same container type with loam soil as a control. Out of 180 Pechay stems planted, 128 survived, showing a 71% survival growth rate. Pechay grown from seeds had a 98% survival rate.
DIYFood lossOrganic cycleThe revival of urban agriculture: an opportunity for the composting stream
2019Marjorie Tendero, C. Guyot · HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe) · Global
This article discusses the booming urban composting sector, driven by urban agriculture's new outlets for organic materials. Individual or collective composting offers a decentralized solution with positive impacts on the environment and neighborhood social relations. Its success requires material availability in common spaces, communication systems, support for residents' initiatives, and consideration of technical, ecological, agricultural, economic, and social aspects.
CompostOrganic cycleCommunityEconomicsClimate changeSoil Health Indicators and Sustainable Practices on Indy Urban Farms: An Investigation of Ecosystem Functionality
2019Rebecca S. Lewis · Digital Commons @ Butler University (Butler University) · United States (Indianapolis)
This project aimed to test if common urban farming management processes increase soil ecosystem health in Indianapolis. Researchers analyzed organic matter composition, carbon and nitrogen percentages, carbon-nitrogen ratio, soil pH, and bulk density from soil samples collected at multiple sites across the city. The study hypothesized that soil samples from actively farmed land would show increased health indicators, making them more similar to naturally established ecosystems than unfarmed controls.
Organic cycleCommunityHealthDiseño de un modelo de agricultura urbana para el desarrollo de huertos familiares
2019Cindy Carolina Ortiz Franco, kleber Bajaña Avarado · · Ecuador
A study was conducted in the Atahualpa parish, Santa Elena province, Ecuador, on the design of an urban agriculture model for family garden development. The investigation was carried out through documentary research, comprising stages of diagnosis via surveys and interviews with council managers, approach, theoretical proposal based on survey results, methodological procedure, analysis, and conclusions on project viability. The diagnosis determined that farmers are interested in participating in the implementation of the urban agriculture proposal designed for the Atahualpa parish to improve food security and nutrition in families.
DIYFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsOrganic cycleINTERACTIVE EFFECT OF NITROGEN AND PHOSPHORUS ON GROWTH AND YIE LD OF HYBRID CAPSICUM (Capsicum annuum L.) IN ROOF TOP GARDEN
2019Md. Khalid Mahmud, Md. Forhad Hossain, Sk Monirul Islam, Asraf Ali, Md. Taslim Hossain · Big Data In Agriculture · Bangladesh (Dhaka)
An experiment conducted in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from October 2017 to March 2018, investigated the interactive effects of nitrogen and phosphorus on hybrid capsicum growth and yield in a rooftop garden. Three nitrogen levels (0, 100, 130 kg N ha-1) and three phosphorus levels (0, 50, 80 kg P2O5 ha-1) were applied. The combination of 130 kg N ha-1 and 80 kg P2O5 ha-1 significantly increased plant height, fruit diameter, fruit length, and fruit yield, suggesting optimal fertilizer application for enhanced growth and yield.
DIYOrganic cycleEl cubio como una alternativa productiva sostenible en condiciones de agricultura urbana de Bogotá
2019Santiago Manuel Sáenz Torres, Alfredo López, Lena Prieto, Tulio Rodríguez · Equidad y Desarrollo · Colombia (Bogotá)
The production potential of cubio (Tropaeolum tuberosum), an Andean native root vegetable, was investigated under urban agricultural conditions in Bogotá. Cubio was found to be highly nutritious, exhibit good performance under adverse edaphoclimatic conditions, show tolerance to pests and diseases, and yield excellent quality and productivity. Production was higher with organic fertilization compared to conventional chemical fertilizers.
DIYOrganic cycleEconomicsEVALUACIÓN DE LA CALIDAD DEL SUELO DE UN HUERTO URBANO EN XALAPA, MÉXICO.
2019Yadeneyro de la Cruz Elizondo, Juan Camilo Fontalvo-Buelvas · Suelos Ecuatoriales · Mexico (Xalapa)
In an urban green area in Xalapa, Mexico, soil quality was evaluated prior to the implementation of a university garden. The soil was brown and sandy loam with poor aggregate stability and a bulk density of 2.52 g/cm3. Biologically, earthworm density was poor at 67.2 ind/m2 and the number of edaphic groups was poor at 5, though pH was optimal at 6.58 and organic matter was medium at 6.45%. Overall soil quality was assessed as moderate, indicating a need for an integrated soil management plan for improvement.
Organic cycleBiodiversityCommunityEfeito de três bioestimulantes no comportamento morfológico e produtivo da cultura do rabanete (Raphanus sativus L.)
2019Alexander Calero Hurtado, Yanery Pérez Díaz, Kolima Peña Calzada, Elieni Quintero Rodríguez, Dilier Olivera Viciedo · LA Referencia (Red Federada de Repositorios Institucionales de Publicaciones Científicas) · Cuba (Sancti Spíritus)
An experiment in Sancti Spíritus, Cuba, from February to April 2016, evaluated the effect of three bio-stimulants (ME-50, vermicomposting humus lixiviate, Biobras-16) on radish crops, with 45 plants observed per treatment. The bio-stimulants positively affected radish production, increasing average leaf production per plant, root diameter, biomass production, and yields to over 1.05 kg.m-2. Specifically, the ME-50 treatment reduced the percentage of damaged tuberous roots by 50% compared to the control.
DIYOrganic cycleWaste separation and school garden as school transformation tools
2019Ana Paula Schmitz Rodrigues, Eunice Aita Isaia Kindel · LA Referencia (Red Federada de Repositorios Institucionales de Publicaciones Científicas) · Brazil (Porto Alegre)
This qualitative study, conducted with elementary school students in a public school in Porto Alegre, Brazil, aimed to raise environmental awareness through direct engagement in creating a school garden and separating solid waste. Student statements were recorded and categorized to understand their perceptions of solid waste, nutrient cycling, and food. The findings indicated students' detachment from the environment and highlighted the need for more interdisciplinary and continuous environmental education practices in schools.
Food educationCommunityOrganic cycleGrowth and Yield of Watercress (Nasturtium officinale R.Br) at The Level and Different Type of Nitrogen Fertilizer
2019Eko Widaryanto, N I K Yulita Firda · PLANTROPICA Journal of Agricultural Science · Indonesia (Malang)
A study in Malang, Indonesia, from July to December 2016, investigated the growth and yield of watercress using urban farming methods with different nitrogen fertilizers. The research, employing a Complete Randomized Design with four dose levels (1, 2, 3, 4 g/pot) and two fertilizer types (Urea and ZA) with three replications, found that both fertilizer type and level influenced watercress growth. Specifically, Urea fertilizer at 4 g per pot resulted in 50% higher yield compared to ZA fertilizer at 4 g per pot, indicating 4 g per pot of Urea fertilizer as the most effective dose.
DIYOrganic cycleEnvironmental Impact of Exceptional Quality Biosolids Use in Urban Agriculture
2019Odiney Alvarez‐Campos, Gregory K. Evanylo · Journal of Environmental Quality · Global
The impacts of exceptional quality (EQ) biosolids and inorganic fertilizer applied for rehabilitating anthropogenic soils on potential nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) water quality impairment risk were compared. After two years, reclamation rates of biosolids resulted in soil P saturation ratios greater than the recommended 30% but lower than the 65% limit. While nitrate N (NO3–N) posed the greatest nutrient leaching risk, lysimeter-collected mass loading of NO3–N from reclamation rates was not greater than for the inorganic fertilizer.
Environmental trade-offsOrganic cycleHealthClimate changeBiodiversityWould a sustainable city be self-sufficient in food production?
2019Gaston E. Small, Robert McDougall, Geneviève S. Metson · International Journal of Design & Nature and Ecodynamics · Global
This study analyzes the potential benefits and costs of urban agriculture, comparing tradeoffs in different sustainability metrics. It assesses how optimal urban agriculture varies by context, such as maximizing production in dense areas versus filling vacant land in post-industrial cities. The research also examines urban agriculture's role in making food systems resilient and includes a case study comparing resource use and pollution for lettuce production via outdoor urban agriculture, indoor urban agriculture, conventional methods, and cross-continental transport for one U.S. metropolitan area.
Climate changeEconomicsOrganic cycleFood sovereignty & justiceUMass Carbon Farming Initiative Design Overview
2019Nikhil Villani, Jack Stambaugh · ScholarWorks@UMassAmherst (University of Massachusetts Amherst) · United States
The UMass Carbon Farming Initiative (CFI) at the Agricultural Learning Center (ALC) involves Stockbridge School of Agriculture students and faculty researching and practicing regenerative food production. Initiated in Spring 2018, students designed and installed a chestnut-sheep silvopasture on a two-acre site. The first season involved starting a chestnut nursery, planting chestnuts, and rotationally grazing six sheep between rows.
Food educationCommunityOrganic cycleClimate changeCropping Practices and Their Drivers in Various Cropping Systems in Peri-urban Areas of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
2019Delphine Bernadette Ouédraogo, Delwendé Innocent Kiba, Zacharia Gnankambary, Sheick K. Sangaré, Diakouba Sirima, Hassan Bismarck Nacro, Michel Papaoba Sédogo · Journal of Agricultural Science · Burkina Faso (Ouagadougou)
This study investigated cropping practices and their drivers in 133 peri-urban farms near Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Soil sample analysis revealed that monoculture led to low soil organic carbon, while polyculture led to low soil available potassium. The socio-economic conditions of the farms explained up to 60% of the variability in cropping practices.
Environmental trade-offsPeri-urban agricultureEconomicsOrganic cycleFood sovereignty & justiceEffect of infaq and takmil wal istikmal in sustaining community vegetable farming in Malaysia
2019Suhaimi Mhd. Sarif · The International Islamic University Malaysia Repository (The International Islamic University Malaysia) · Malaysia
This study investigated the effect of infaq (charitable contribution) and takmil wal istikmal (complementarity) on sustaining community vegetable farming in Malaysia. Personal interviews with selected farmers, CSA administrators, and agricultural regulators revealed that the effect of infaq and takmil wal istikmal is limited to small-scale community farming.
CommunityOrganic cycleEconomicsASSENTAMENTO SÃO FRANCISCO: UMA TEIA DE PRODUÇÃO SUSTENTÁVEL
2019Matheus Martins Mendes, André Victor Sales Passos, Carol Rebouças da Silva · · Brazil
This internship experience, guided by popular extension university principles, focused on knowledge exchange between scientific and popular communities in the San Francisco settlement, Jose de Freitas, Piaui, Brazil. A partnership between the Federal Rural University of the Semiarid Region, REAPI, and local farmers led to the implementation of a women-maintained community garden and the recovery of four springs. Agroecological activities also highlighted the role of women farmers in agroecological transition.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceDIYOrganic cycleExperiencias pedagógicas en el ámbito del diseño para la transición. Estudio de un caso: El proyecto de comunicación del Espai Quiró
2019Joan Morales Moras · Kepes · Spain (Barcelona)
This study examined an academic project in Barcelona, Spain, where design students collaborated with the self-managed Espai Quiró urban agriculture and organic community project in the La Salut neighborhood. The involvement of the community managers and students in this pedagogical experience responded to a design model committed to citizens and citizen-led neighborhood associations. This participated in the idea of transition towards a new alternative way of living in cities, advocating for the reappropriation of public space.
CommunityFood educationOrganic cycleDiversity of arboreal species in scenarios of urban agriculture in the municipality of Pinar del Río
2019Lisandra Hernández Guanche, Yoerlandy Santana Baños, Armando Acosta Hernández, Armando del Busto Concepción · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Cuba (Pinar del Río)
This research determined the diversity of arboreal species associated with the "Vial Colón" organoponics system in Pinar del Río municipality, Cuba. Inventories identified 37 arboreal species from 26 botanical families. Fabaceae was the most represented family, with Persea americana Mill. and Moringa oleifera Lam. showing the highest abundance.
BiodiversityCommunityOrganic cycleTrace Element Uptake by Herbaceous Plants from the Soils at a Multiple Trace Element-Contaminated Site
2019Obinna Elijah Nworie, Junhao Qin, Chuxia Lin · Toxics · Global
This study investigated trace element uptake by wild herbaceous plants at a multiple trace element-contaminated site. It found significant variability in bioaccumulation and translocation factors among plant species, identifying some as hyperaccumulators for specific elements. The marked accumulation of trace elements in plant tissues suggests that the site may not be suitable for urban agricultural production.
Contamination & food safetyHealthOrganic cycleA CASE STUDY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SCHOOL GARDENS IN DAKAHLIA GOVERNORATE
2019A. Hegazy · Scientific Journal of Flowers and Ornamental Plants /Scientific Journal of Flowers and Ornamental Plants · Egypt
This landscaping study, conducted from 2017-2018, investigated eight school gardens in Mansoura City and Talkha District, Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt. The study revealed that most school gardens contained toxic plants like weeds and cacti, and that utilized areas were not correctly used with poor maintenance. Roof gardens and improved irrigation systems were suggested.
Limited or null effectFood educationCommunityOrganic cycleFood Waste Recovery with Takakura Portable Compost Boxes in Offices and Working Places
2018Jiménez-Antillón, J., Calleja-Amador, C., Romero-Esquivel, L. G. · Resources (MDPI), 7(4):84 · Global (Costa Rica; Japan-origin method)
A field study placing the Kitakyushu-origin 'Takakura' composting method—widely diffused in Surabaya, Indonesia—as small portable boxes in university offices and workplaces in Costa Rica. Processing food waste from 45 staff over six months, it shows that low-cost, citizen/workplace-scale fermentation composting is viable.
CompostFood lossOrganic cycleCommunityA Comparison of Landraces vs. Modern Varieties of Lettuce in Organic Farming During the Winter in the Mediterranean Area: An Approach Considering the Viewpoints of Breeders, Consumers, and Farmers
2018Casals J., Rivera A., Figàs M. R., Casañas C., Camí B., Soler S., Simó J. · Frontiers in Plant Science 9:1491 · Mediterranean
Compares lettuce landraces and modern varieties under Mediterranean winter organic farming, evaluating their agronomic and use value from the combined viewpoints of breeders, consumers and farmers.
Heirloom & landraceBiodiversityOrganic cycleEconomicsThe influence of Leberecht Migge in the creation of the modern productive Siedlungen
2018Arredondo-Garrido D. · VLC arquitectura. Research Journal, 5(2), 29-58 · Germany
Contextualizes Migge's collaborations with architects such as Taut, Wagner and May, arguing for his key role in the success of 'productive Siedlungen' in which agriculture was fully integrated into modern housing estates.
CommunityEconomicsOrganic cycleA Review on the Economic Feasibility of Composting for Organic Waste Management in Asian Countries
2018Sabki M.H., Lee C.T., Bong C.P.C., Klemeš J.J. · Chemical Engineering Transactions, 70:49-54 · Asia (Indonesia, China)
Cost-benefit analysis of composting operations across Indonesia, China and Asian countries, evaluating economic viability of circular economy approaches in urban farming.
CompostEconomicsOrganic cycle