Research & reports

Wachdijono Wachdijono, Siti Wahyuni, Umi Trisnaningsih · Prosiding Seminar Nasional Unimus · Indonesia

This community service program aimed to provide knowledge and implement "verticulture" urban farming to increase household income in Kalijaga Village, Cirebon City, Indonesia. The method involved training, including counseling on the meaning and benefits of verticulture and practical vegetable cultivation on multi-tiered growing media. The target audience was PKK women cadres and activists. The program resulted in increased knowledge of verticulture and its practice, leading to implicit household income by saving on vegetable purchases, thus allowing funds for other beneficial needs.

Helen Mary Rose, Charles R. Upshaw, Joshua D. Rhodes, Yuval Edrey, Michael E. Webber · · United States (Austin)

This project describes the development of the Solar, Water, Energy, and Thermal Laboratory (SWEAT Lab), a rooftop experimental space at the University of Texas at Austin built by Cockrell School of Engineering students. The SWEAT Lab is an ongoing experiential learning facility that enables engineering education by deploying energy and water-related projects, and it contains a full weather station, a rainwater harvesting system, and a rooftop garden. The project provided students with opportunities to learn firsthand about unique engineering challenges, such as weight limitations and wind resistance, and gain experience working with building facilities management.

Adriane Cordoni Savi, Ormy Leocádio Hutner Júnior, Fernanda Cardoso Faria, Isaura Marques Souza Uhmann · Brazilian Journal of Development · Brazil

This article demonstrates urban and peri-urban agricultural practices in small backyards, remnant residential garden areas, and green roofs. These practices aim to produce food for self-consumption and to foster farming among neighbors for subsistence or as a source of supplementary family income.

Yvon Le, Paula Nahmías, Giulia Giacchè · HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe) · France (Rennes)

This paper is a contribution to the inaugural issue of the journal "Palimpseste," which aims to highlight research conducted within the twenty-two research units of Rennes 2 University.

Alma 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.

Mathilde Martin-Moreau, David Ménascé · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Global

The global resurgence of urban agriculture since the early 2000s manifests in diverse forms, ranging from high-tech controlled environments to low-tech intensive organic micro-market farming. These models are implemented in both developed and emerging economies, adapting to various local contexts like community gardens, rooftops, and vertical farms.

Rachel E. Mallinger, Anne Yasalonis, Gary W. Knox, Wayne Hobbs · EDIS · United States (Florida)

This 7-page fact sheet aims to conserve approximately 315 species of native wild bees in Florida. Published by the UF/IFAS Entomology and Nematology Department, it shows how gardeners and land managers can aid bee conservation efforts by planting flowers in home or community gardens.

Cindy 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.

Mark Pontious · Journal of College Orientation Transition and Retention · United States

This article reviews Novella Carpenter's book "Farm City," which details her experiences as an urban farmer in Oakland, United States. The book describes her journey from an abandoned lot to building an urban garden and raising animals, exploring themes of discovery, responsibility, and trial-and-error. It offers discussion points for first-year college students.

Putri Lynna A. Luthan, Yogi Nikman, Hasanatun Nisa Hasibuan, Jaka Prima Albertus Malau · JURNAL PENGABDIAN KEPADA MASYARAKAT · Indonesia (Medan)

In Medan, Indonesia, a verticulture urban farming training program was implemented in Lorong Sidodadi, a densely populated area with limited green space (5.6% of the city). The program targeted non-productive housewives and involved five stages: preparation, socialization, training, mentoring, and evaluation. Participants reported positive responses, aesthetic, thermal, psychological, health, and economic benefits, and reduced vegetable purchases. However, the activity faced issues with rat pests and children's activities.

Md. 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.

Santiago 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.

Munirah Hayati Hamidon, Samsuzana Abd Aziz, Tofael Ahamed, MUHAMMAD RAZIF MAHADI · Jurnal Teknologi · Malaysia

This research designed a compact smart vertical garden system for urban agriculture in Malaysia and analyzed the growth performance of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) within it, comparing it to a commercial conventional hydroponic system. The bottom stack of lettuce in the vertical garden showed maximum height, highest leaf count, and width, though only height had a significant difference across stacks (P < 0.0001). No significant difference was found between the smart vertical garden system and the conventional hydroponic system for lettuce height, number of leaves, or leaf width.

Alexander 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.

Chiara Certomà, Chiara Tornaghi · Ghent University Academic Bibliography (Ghent University) · Global

This book is a collection of chapters unpacking the forms, functioning, and meanings of urban gardening in the context of the neoliberal transformation of cities. It offers an overview of diverse claims in the micro-politics of garden activism and discusses how these projects are fraught with social solidarities and divisions, empowerment and learning processes, conflicts and negotiations. The collection aims to contribute to a critical discussion of the “politics of urban space” and enrich the emerging debate on radical, critical, and political gardening.

Eko 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.

Setyo Parsudi · Berkala Ilmiah AGRIDEVINA · Indonesia (Surabaya)

This study in Surabaya, Indonesia, aimed to identify urban farming models, community motivations, and obstacles faced in implementing urban agriculture. The study found that the most common urban farming models were hydroponics, followed by verticulture, fisheries, and rooftop gardens. Community motivations primarily included increasing income, utilizing empty land, pursuing farming hobbies, and using green open spaces. The main obstacles faced by the community were plant pests, lack of capital for development, extreme weather, and insufficient experience and knowledge in urban agriculture.

Matheus 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.

Mohd Hamezan, Intan Syafiqah · · Malaysia

This project, conducted in the Plan B area of Ipoh, Malaysia, investigated urbanized residents' interest in urban gardening and their perception of an ergonomic bamboo seating structure design. A questionnaire survey revealed that 59% of respondents lacked awareness of urban gardening. Among the proposed bamboo seating structure designs, Design 2 was the most selected by 57.8% of respondents, and younger respondents showed the most interest in urban gardens.

Ellis Cose · · United States (New York City)

This descriptive piece discusses U.S. community energy initiatives as expressions of local self-determination, citing the Banana Kelly Community Improvement Association in New York's South Bronx and the Bronx Frontier Development Corporation, founded by a community activist grandmother, which began by converting vacant lots into community gardens; it also cites the Washington-based Center for Renewable Resources' catalogue of roughly 1,800 community energy projects, supported in part by the Community Services Administration and private foundations.

Rahmat Rejoni, Andrianto Kusumoarto, Agus Gunawan, Devi Libriati · Lakar Jurnal Arsitektur · Indonesia

A neighborhood park in the Villa Bogor Indah housing complex in Bogor City, Indonesia, was designed and built through resident participation, using descriptive qualitative methods and a community-based design approach. The park covers 1,680.749 square meters. Residents wanted the space to function as urban farming (55%), a plant collection/arboretum (40%), and passive recreation (5%).

Sang Mi Lee, Young Chae, Young-Bin Jung, In-Kyoung Hong · Journal of people, plants, and environment · Global

A survey examined proper planting and use of climbing plants in urban community gardens. A majority of respondents accepted planting climbing plants in their community garden plots, and those with gardening experience were more favorable. There was a strong tendency to use climbing plants for aesthetic/ornamental purposes and for creating fences, and many respondents said the plants should be planted outside or on the edge of the garden so they would not cross into other plots. Respondents who favored planting on the edge or outside wanted aesthetic/ornamental use, while those wanting the plants for shade also favored planting them on the edge or outside.

Masito Masito, Irawan Setyabudi, Rizki Alfian · Fakultas Pertanian · Indonesia

A qualitative study sampling 20 houses in the Lowokwaru sub-district of Malang, Indonesia, examining vertical-garden facade designs that apply verticulture and urban farming concepts to narrow housing plots. It produced design applications using wall-mounted, hanging, fence-mounted and shelf verticulture along with hydroponics and aquaponics for home front yards, intended to address the loss of garden space to other uses.

Prof. P. R. Khobragade · International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development · Global

This project implemented and analyzed a green-campus initiative at the BDCE engineering college in Sevagram, India, involving vermicomposting of paper waste and plant matter, reducing plastic use, using solar energy, harvesting rainwater, and introducing a community garden. Water quality testing on campus confirmed the water was potable, solid waste was shown to be reducible through composting methods, and applying the 3R principle (reduce, reuse, recycle) along with maintaining campus greenery through the project's techniques produced favorable results.

Haryati Haryati, Ameilia Zuliyanti Siregar, Suzanna Fitriany Sitepu, Jamilah Jamilah, Alida Lubis · ABDIMAS TALENTA Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat · Indonesia

A five-month training program (July–November 2019) at two elementary schools in Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia—SD Model Al Azhar and SD Namira—taught students to convert used bottles, wood, cans, plastics, shoes, trousers, and oil packaging into vegetable-planting containers, run by the University of Sumatera Utara. The program covered problem identification, site preparation, training, hands-on practice, field guidance, and media dissemination. Reported outcomes were increased student knowledge and understanding of repurposing used materials into planting containers, which were then placed in a corner of the school garden.