Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
845 results(28 / 34)
Recycling urban waste as possible use for rooftop vegetable garden
2015Baptiste Grard, N. Bel, Marchal, Nicolas, Frédéric Madre, Jean‐François Castell, Philippe Cambier, Sabine Houot, Nastaran Manouchehri, Stéphane Besançon, Jean‐Charles Michel, Claire Chenu, Nathalie Frascaria‐Lacoste, Christine Aubry · Kobra (Universitätsbibliothek Kassel) · France (Paris)
A 2012 pilot experiment in Paris, France, tested simple rooftop gardening systems using local urban organic waste as crop substrates. Measurements of production levels and heavy metal content in crops and substrates showed high crop production with limited inputs, low heavy metal pollutants in edible parts, and positive yield influence from layered substrates and earthworm inoculation. These results suggest rooftop gardening is feasible and has potential for urban resiliency, though further assessment of roof types, pollution levels, and sustainability is needed.
DIYCompostOrganic cycleHealthGreen Facade (Vertical Greening): Benefits and Threats
2015Mehdi Rakhshandehroo, Mohd Johari Mohd Yusof, Meysam Deghati Najd · Applied Mechanics and Materials · Global
A 2015 study discussed various systems of green facades (vertical greening) as a method of sustainable development in dense urban areas. Based on existing research, the study indicated that green facades offer environmental benefits such as mitigating the urban heat island effect, increasing biodiversity and ecological value, insulating against environmental impact, improving outdoor and indoor comfort, enhancing social and psychological well-being, and improving air quality for city dwellers.
BiodiversityClimate changeDIYAgricultura urbana e conservação da agrobiodiversidade: um estudo de caso Cáceres, Mato Grosso
2015Luciene Rodrigues, Maria Antônia Carniello · Cadernos de Agroecologia · Brazil
This study aimed to document the use and agricultural management practices of tuberous plants by residents in urban backyards in Cáceres, Mato Grosso, Brazil, using semi-structured interviews. Nine species were recorded, including Manihot esculenta, with carrot, sweet potato, ginger, and saffron cited for medicinal use (8.3% to 16.6%). Planting followed seasons and lunar phases, and soil fertility was corrected with organic fertilizer and sawdust.
BiodiversityDIYOrganic cycleDiversifying for success
2015Christine Brown-Paul, Sam Ross · Practical Hydroponics and Greenhouses · Australia
A Sydney-based company supplies hydroponics products and services to a diverse range of clients in Australia, including home growers, market gardeners, commercial growers, schools, and community gardens. This broad client base provides a competitive advantage in the current market.
DIYCommunityFood educationDigital agricultureLa construcció discursiva de la competència ecociutadana a l'escola primària: la realització d'un disseny tecnològic col·laboratiu a l'hort escolar agroecològic
2015Miren Rekondo Iparraguirre · TDX (Tesis Doctorals en Xarxa) · Europe
This doctoral thesis explores the development of eco-citizenship competence in school gardens, specifically through collaborative technological design activities. Elementary school students designed and assembled an irrigation system for their school garden over ten activities. Analysis showed students integrated elements from various design proposals without exclusive opposition, and that design conflicts led to a more dynamic and complex garden model. The study also found differences in argumentative discourse structure and dynamics between scientific argumentation and technological design activities.
Food educationCommunityDIYOrganic cycleThinking about where the food you eat comes from
2015john standish · · Global
Indira Naidoo and Nick Rose have focused on improving food production and supply chains, encompassing everything from inner-city balcony and community gardens to large-scale commercial production.
CommunityDIYGREEN ONION (ALLIUM CEPA L.) AND JEWS MALLOW (CORCHORUS OLITORIUS) PRODUCTION IN SUBSTRATES IN URBAN AGRICULTURE
2015· Journal of Biological Chemistry and Environmental Sciences · Egypt (Cairo)
A study conducted over two seasons (2011/2012 and 2012/2013) at Ain Shams University in Cairo investigated the effects of four growing substrates on green onion and Jews mallow production. Green onion growth, yield, lipid, fiber, and total sugar content were highest in peatmoss + vermiculite substrate, while Jews mallow growth, yield, total carbohydrates, protein, ash, energy, sugars, indoles, and vitamin C content were highest in clay substrate. The study recommends peatmoss + vermiculite for green onions and clay substrate for Jews mallow.
DIYHealthOrganic cycleApplying Linked Open Data to Green Design
2015Takahiro Kawamura, Akihiko Ohsuga · IEEE Intelligent Systems · Global
In response to growing interest in urban agriculture and greening, the authors proposed "Green-Thumb Camera," an Android application that allows users to search for plants fitting specific environmental conditions from the linked open data (LOD) cloud. The application uses smartphone sensor information for queries and augmented reality to overlay an image of the adult plant in a specified space. The authors described the LOD content generation method and application details, then evaluated the accuracy of the LOD data and the application's usability.
DIYDigital agricultureThe Preference of High- Rise Buildings' Residents Toward Rooftop Garden to Promote Urban Agriculture: A Case Study of Malaysia
2015Mohd Yazid Mohd Yunos, Neda Jafari, Utaberta Nangkula, Nor Atiah Ismail, Sumarni Ismail, Nastaran Jafari · · Malaysia
This study examined high-rise building residents' preferences for rooftop gardens to promote urban agriculture in condominiums in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, Malaysia. A quantitative survey questionnaire revealed that most participants showed a positive correlation with having a rooftop garden in their living area. Rooftop gardens were found to reduce environmental problems and contribute to microclimate improvement.
DIYCommunityClimate changeUrban–rural linkageAn evaluation of conventional and subirrigated planters for urban agriculture: Supporting evidence
2014Clare Sullivan, Thomas Hallaran, Gregory Sogorka, Kallie Weinkle · Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems · United States
This study compared crop yields, quality and labor input for subirrigated planters (SIPs), a sack-garden variant, and two conventional raised beds over one season at one location, growing cayenne pepper, cherry tomatoes and kale. Both the SIP beds and conventional beds with a soilless growing medium were more productive than conventional beds with a topsoil-and-compost mix, and tomato yield in the SIP without a root barrier exceeded both conventional beds. Most of the higher-cost beds generated a positive revenue stream in the first season, suggesting that investing in SIPs or in soil suitable for raised beds is worth the higher initial cost.
DIYEconomicsGreenhouse gas emissions from home composting in practice
2014Ermolaev E., Sundberg C., Pell M., Jönsson H. · Bioresource Technology · Sweden
Measures CH4, N2O and NH3 emissions from home composts in practice in Sweden; methane emissions were lower than in large-scale systems and increased with temperature and mixing.
DIYCompostA Novel Low-Cost Open-Hardware Platform for Monitoring Soil Water Content and Multiple Soil-Air-Vegetation Parameters
2014Bitella G. · Sensors · Italy
Presents a low-cost open-hardware platform based on an open-source Arduino microcontroller board and inexpensive high-frequency dielectric probes to monitor soil water content at multiple depths plus air and soil temperatures.
DIYEconomicsMonitoreo e identificación de algunos insectos plagas asociados a la agricultura urbana en Veracruz centro
2014Mabel Hernández Osorio, Ana Lid del Ángel Pérez, Carlos Nahin Castro José · Revista Biológico Agropecuaria Tuxpan · Mexico
This study in Veracruz, Mexico, identified insect pests associated with urban cultivation of vegetables and aromatic species in two types of recycled containers. Daily ethological monitoring revealed five insect pests: whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum), red spider mite (Tetranychus urticae C.L.Koch), leaf miner (Liriomyza sp), thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis), and aphids (Myzus persicae). The findings aim to inform preventive actions and biological control strategies to reduce pest presence in urban container vegetable production.
BiodiversityDIYCommunityDemonstrating fence options for community, school and home vegetable and ornamental gardens in areas with high deer and woodchuck pressure
2014Annie Christian · eCommons (Cornell University) · United States
This project tested two fencing methods—heavy woven wire with chicken wire, and heavy black plastic with hex mesh—to exclude deer and woodchucks from gardens. Master Gardener volunteers and CCE staff recorded material costs, participated in installation, and monitored effectiveness weekly. The project also provided IPM education to the public and schools through tours, workshops, and an instructional video.
Food educationCommunityDIYDistributed Design: Media Technologies and the Architecture of Participation
2014Joel McKim · The MIT Press eBooks · Global
This book examines the usefulness and limits of "DIY citizenship" and "critical making" in recent years. It explores diverse forms of political participation, ranging from activist blogging and video production to knitting and the creation of community gardens. The collection describes DIY citizens as active interventionists, makers, hackers, modders, and tinkerers, pursuing new forms of engaged and participatory democracy.
DIYCommunityGarden space: Mapping trade-offs and the adaptive capacity of home food production
2014Valérie Dewaelheyns, Frederik Lerouge, Elke Rogge, Liesbet Vranken, Dewaelheyns, Valerie, Lerouge, Frederik, Rogge, Elke, Vranken, Liesbet · AgEcon Search (University of Minnesota, USA) · Belgium (Flanders)
This study developed a theoretical model to capture, quantify, and interrelate the most relevant variables and constraints of potential food production in domestic gardens. The model development was fostered by quantitative and qualitative data collection for the Flanders case study, providing insights into current and potential food production in Flemish domestic gardens. While not finalized, the model allows exploration of spatial and temporal constraints of individual domestic gardens for food production, contributing to a better understanding of the adaptive capacity of small-scale multifunctional spaces.
DIYEconomicsUrban–rural linkage도시농업을 위한 빗물이용시설 최적 설계용량 산정
2014권경호 · 한국생태환경건축학회 학술발표대회 논문집 · South Korea
This study aimed to support the decision of design volume for small rainwater cisterns for urban farming. Using the STORM Rainfall-Runoff Model, a computer simulation was conducted to determine optimal design capacities under specific unit catchment and farming area circumstances. The findings provide guidance for designing rainwater harvesting facilities for urban agriculture.
Climate changeCommunityDIYPracticing urban agriculture on campus : integrating the LFS Garden with the Faculty of Land and Food Systems community
2014Jessica Chen, Shawn DiPardo, Yuliana Hermanto, Amy Jennermann, Lyviana Mananta, Sharon Lee, Alanna Jean Schroeder · cIRcle (University of British Columbia) · Canada
This student project at the University of British Columbia focused on expanding the LFS Garden to enhance organic production, provide food, and offer interdisciplinary learning opportunities. The group reviewed literature and consulted stakeholders to devise a business proposal for the garden's development, covering aspects like management, layout, and educational integration. The project also designed a garden layout and established a garden management committee.
Food educationCommunityOrganic cycleDIYAn investigation into waste heat recovery for usage by a rooftop greenhouse
2014Rohit Kumar Singla, Jeremy Lord, Jorden Hetherington · cIRcle (University of British Columbia) · Canada
This report conducted a triple-bottom line assessment of the environmental, economic, and social feasibility of using waste heat from a microbrewery at the University of British Columbia as an energy source for a rooftop greenhouse. The investigation was based on academic research and ongoing communication with the primary stakeholder. The project was found to be economically viable, with social benefits outweighing drawbacks, and environmentally feasible.
DIYEconomicsFood educationCommunityUsing Fruit Trees and Berries to Create an Edible Landscape in Utah
2014Laura Wright, Brent Black · Digital Commons - USU (Utah State University) · United States (Utah)
This fact sheet describes how to use fruit trees and berries in your landscape in Utah to maximize space, minimize water use, and grow produce in the process.
DIYFood educationPermaculture Design: On the Practice of Radical Imagination
2014Katja Rothe · Scholarworks (University of Massachusetts Amherst) · Global
This article examines permaculture design, developed by Bill Mollison and David Holmgren, not only as an application of systems theory but also as a form of figurative, ecological reasoning. Permaculture challenges the division between theory and practice, or rationality and sensibility, inextricably linking these modes of knowledge in explorations of patterns. Specifically, it describes permaculture design thought through three aspects: visual thinking in patterns, the role of radical imagination and speculation, and systems theory thought drawing from the Gaia hypothesis.
DIYCommunityUrban–rural linkageClimate changeClimate action partnership : moving UBC beyond climate neutral
2014Kit Yieng Chan, Michelle Chan, Oi Yan Chan, Thomas Y.K. Chan, Tsz Mei Chan, Sharon B. Chang, Kenrick Chau, Tarik Chelali · cIRcle (University of British Columbia) · Canada
Research at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Canada, investigated whether rooftop gardens could reduce greenhouse gas emissions and food transportation carbon emissions. While edible landscapes could potentially assist with climate goals, they require careful selection of crops, buildings, and resources. Preliminary calculations indicated that rooftop and community gardens would do very little to reduce the UBC campus's dependency on imported food.
Limited or null effectClimate changeFood miles & supply chainCommunityDIYCity Farmer: Adventures in Urban Food Growing
2014Michael Classens · UnderCurrents Journal of Critical Environmental Studies · Global
This is a review of Lorraine Johnson's book "City Farmer: Adventures in Urban Food Growing" by Michael Classens. Johnson argues that small-scale 'city farmers' are the vanguard of an emerging transformation of the contemporary food system, despite urban farming being more prefigurative than productive in aggregate. The book reveals the potential in interstitial urban spaces for food production and urges a reimagining of our relationship to cities as farms.
DIYCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeLos latidos de la tierra: Arte ecologico para acompasar nuestros ritmos
2014Ma Isabel Soler Ruiz, Pilar Soto Sánchez · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Global
This paper reviews the evolution of ecological movements from the late 19th century to the mid-1960s, focusing on the defense of natural spaces and urban sustainability actions. It examines collective initiatives like the reforestation of abandoned industrial areas and the creation of urban gardens, as well as individual artistic actions that aim to reconnect viewers with the earth.
CommunityDIYUrban–rural linkageEvaluation of bokashi fermentation leachate as a biofertilizer in urban horticulture
2014Olle Lind · · Sweden (Malmö)
This study tested bokashi fermentation leachate from four food waste sources in Malmö and Lund, Sweden, on pak choi in sand, garden waste compost, and peat substrates to evaluate its potential as a biofertilizer in urban farming. The leachates were generally low in nitrogen, leading to poor plant growth in nitrogen-poor substrates, though they were high in potassium and phosphorus. Avoidable food waste contained higher sodium and chloride than unavoidable food waste, suggesting unavoidable food waste is a more suitable source for bokashi leachate fertilizer.
CompostOrganic cycleDIY