Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
173 results(3 / 7)
Socioeconomic analysis of peri-urban family production in the city of Dom Pedrito-RS: a preliminary study of organic lettuce production
2022Osmar Manoel Nunes, Shirley Grazieli da Silva Nascimento, Mariana Rockenbach de Ávila, Luciellen de Lourdes Silveira Vieira, Criziane Flores Pamplona · · Brazil
This preliminary study conducted a socioeconomic analysis of peri-urban family production of organic lettuce in Dom Pedrito-RS, Brazil, using case study techniques focusing on two family farmers. Through in-depth interviews and farm visits, it was found that production relied solely on family labor with minimal chemical inputs, characterizing a transition to organic production. Despite strong competition from large distribution networks, producing and marketing organic lettuce was concluded to be profitable, constituting an alternative income source and job creation in family farming, and assisting in transforming unoccupied spaces into productive ones.
Peri-urban agricultureEconomicsOrganic cycleCommunityProcesso de criação de uma horta comunitária orgânica em espaço subutilizado de uma creche: relato de experiência do projeto Calanguinho / Process of creation of organic community garden in underutilized space of a nursery: experience in partnership with the Calanguinho project
2022Leila Graziele de Almeida Brito, Marilete Calegari Cardoso, Mainara Mizzi Rocha Frota, Leandro Nascimento Bertoldi · Brazilian Journal of Animal and Environmental Research · Brazil
This paper reports on the experience of establishing an organic community garden at the Casinha do Sol Children's Living Center, UESB, Brazil, with the support of the Calanguinho project. Using a collaborative work methodology, the project fostered partnerships between the nursery, families, and the university. This initiative facilitated the development of active practices and reflection, promoting ecological and sustainable awareness among the nursery, families, and the academic community.
CommunityFood educationOrganic cycleEffect of Grafting Rootstock on the Antioxidant Capacity and Content of Heirloom Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) in Hydroponic Culture
2021Greathouse J., Henning S., Soendergaard M. · Plants 10(5):965 · United States
Grafted heirloom tomatoes (Black Krim, Green Zebra) and standard Big Beef onto rootstocks in hydroponics, measuring antioxidant capacity, phenolics, and lycopene. Specific rootstocks raised antioxidant capacity and altered phenolic content of heirlooms.
Heirloom & landraceHealthOrganic cycleA Conceptual Framework for Incorporation of Composting in Closed-Loop Urban Controlled Environment Agriculture
2021Dsouza A., Price G., Dixon M., Graham T. · Sustainability · Canada
Presents a conceptual framework for incorporating composting into closed-loop urban controlled environment agriculture to recycle nutrients from organic waste streams.
CompostFood lossOrganic cycleCaracterização da Agricultura Urbana (AU) em Ibatiba (Espírito Santo)
2021Bárbara de Oliveira Falce, Breno Dalcolmo de Almeida Leão, Arnaldo Henrique de Oliveira Carvalho · Meio Ambiente (Brasil) · Brazil (Ibatiba)
This study characterized urban agriculture in Ibatiba, Brazil, by analyzing 22 production units across 10 neighborhoods through spatial distribution mapping and farmer interviews. Positive aspects included a wide variety of foods, considerable independence from external inputs for seeds, fertilizers, and animal feed, and efforts towards environmental education. However, concerns were noted regarding the continued use of pesticides and issues with water origin and utilization, such as spring water capture and limited irrigation.
DIYOrganic cycleFood sovereignty & justiceCommunity gardens: contribution to food safety and social inclusion
2021Lucas Sales dos Santos, Milena De Moura Régis, Ana Paula Branco do Nascimento · Revista Nacional de Gerenciamento de Cidades · Brazil (São Paulo)
This study investigated an organically grown community garden in the Previdência Municipal Park in the West Zone of São Paulo City, Brazil, through in-situ observations, interviews, and literature review. The findings indicated benefits for food and nutrition safety, interpersonal involvement, and environmental education. Key challenges identified were social leaderships, technical-scientific knowledge for organic productivity, and planning for project continuity.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceHealthOrganic cycleAnálise de viabilidade financeira da produção orgânica de morangos para comercialização local
2021Naiane Modri Fuzinatto, Jaciney Aparecida Danielli, Daniela Preschlak, Augusto Fischer · Revista em Agronegócio e Meio Ambiente · Brazil
This study presented a proposal for organic strawberry cultivation in urban spaces for a small producer and evaluated the financial viability of local sales. Through a qualitative and quantitative case study in Santa Catarina State, results indicated social and environmental benefits from adopting urban strawberry cultivation under an organic production system. Furthermore, the entire investment could be recovered in just over two years, representing a medium-term return on investment.
EconomicsOrganic cycleClimate changeFood sovereignty & justice“DO ALIMENTO, COMO QUE PLANTA, O QUE FAZ”: ETNOGRAFIA DE UMA COMUNIDADE DE AGRICULTURA EM SÃO CARLOS/ SP
2021Tainá Souza Santos · · Brazil (São Carlos)
This paper investigates knowledge practices within the Community Supporting Agriculture of São Carlos, Brazil, through the words of farmer Dina. The research, conducted from August 2019 to October 2020, relates ethnographic material to contemporary anthropological discussions on ecology and knowledge. It also compares Dina's agroecological production techniques with the production of ethnographic writing.
CSA & TeikeiCommunityOrganic cycleMICORRIZAS ARBUSCULARES EM HORTALIÇAS DAS FAMÍLIAS ASTERACEAE, ALIACEAE, APIACEAE, AMARANTHACEAE E BRASSICACEAE, CULTIVADAS SOB MANEJO ORGÂNICO / ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAE IN VEGETABLES FROM THE FAMILIES OF ASTERACEAE, ALIACEAE, APIACEAE, AMARANTHACEAE AND BRASSICACEAE, GROWN UNDER ORGANIC MANAGEMENT
2021Pedro Henrique Sousa Silva, Iara SuilaAlmeida do Nascimento, Cauê Barbosa Coelho, Patrícia Barbosa da Silva, Regina Lúcia Félix de Aguiar Lima · Brazilian Journal of Development · Brazil
This study evaluated the occurrence and degree of association between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and leafy vegetables from Asteraceae, Aliaceae, Apiaceae, Amaranthaceae, and Brassicaceae families, grown organically in an urban community garden in Brazil. Mycorrhizal colonization in lettuce varieties (Asteraceae) ranged from 10% to 40%. Chives (Aliaceae) showed an average colonization of 16%, and Apiaceae species had colonization ranging from 7.4% to 23%. In contrast, Amaranthaceae species (beetroot and spinach) showed no AMF structures in their roots, and Brassicaceae species showed colonization ranging from 0% to 19.5%.
Organic cycleCommunityFrom urban waste to urban farmers: Can we close the agriculture loop within the city bounds?
2021Rafael Carvalho Machado, Sieglinde Kindl Da Cunha · Waste Management & Research The Journal for a Sustainable Circular Economy · Brazil (Curitiba)
This study investigated Curitiba, Brazil's Urban Agriculture Program (UAP) and its decentralized composting strategy, which aimed to close the agricultural loop within city bounds. Despite training 24 urban farmer communities in composting techniques, the program was unable to achieve this goal. The research, based on secondary data review, interviews, and participatory observation, identified cultural barriers and conflicts among actor roles within the UAP that hindered the adoption of composting practices.
Governance failureCompostCommunityOrganic cyclePolicyQuantifying nutrient recovery efficiency and loss from compost-based urban agriculture
2020Shrestha P., Small G.E., Kay A. · PLOS ONE, 15(4):e0230996 · United States
A study measuring and quantifying nutrient recovery efficiency and loss from compost application in urban gardens. It shows compost often supplies phosphorus far in excess of crop demand, and surplus P can be lost to waterways. The work argues that closing the food-waste-to-compost loop in urban agriculture must be designed for sustainable nutrient management, not just diversion.
CompostOrganic cycleFood lossEconomicsAnalysis of the Soil Microbiome of a Los Angeles Urban Farm
2020Savanah St. Clair, Maryam Saraylou, Daila Melendez, Norman Senn, Serina Reitz, Destini Kananipour, Angelo Alvarez · Applied and Environmental Soil Science · United States (Los Angeles)
This research characterized the arable soils at Los Angeles Pierce College to address health and food-security challenges, using soil physical/chemical measurements, microbial cultivation, and 16S rDNA sequencing on a citizen-science platform. It found plant-growth-promoting, antibiotic-producing and bioremediating bacteria—including abundant Streptomyces, Bacillus and Methylobacteria—across fields with distinct microclimates, and tests indicated that plant-based oils could control antibiotic-resistant bacteria more effectively than common antibiotics. The authors say the results can guide future trials and product development by identifying target soil microorganisms and the most viable fields.
BiodiversityHealthOrganic cyclePreparado homeopático no controle de Orthezia sp. em camarão amarelo - Pachystachys lutea, Acanthaceae
2020Marina Portugal Torres, Pedro Henrique Goulart Pinheiro, Daniela Barroso Siste · · Brazil (Belo Horizonte)
This study investigated a homeopathic treatment for a high infestation of Orthezia cochineal on Golden Shrimp plants in the Botanical Garden of Belo Horizonte, Brazil, from November 2018 to February 2019. Orthezia nosode at 12CH potency was applied weekly. Observations showed an improvement in plant health, evidenced by new vigorous shoots, and a significant reduction in cochineal attacks.
Organic cycleBiodiversityDiversidade de moluscos terrestres e nematofauna associada em horticulturas no município do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
2020Karina Leal de Oliveira · · Brazil
This study evaluated terrestrial mollusc diversity and associated nematodes in two horticulture areas in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Manguinhos and Jacarepagua). Two collections, in spring and summer, sampled four points in each area. A total of 760 specimens were collected, identifying 16 species across 10 families, with significantly more live specimens collected in summer (363) than in spring (159) (p = 0.0011).
BiodiversityOrganic cycleImpact of land use on Histosols properties in urban agriculture ecosystems of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
2020Otávio Augusto Queiroz dos Santos, Eduardo Carvalho da Silva Neto, Andrés Calderín García, Hugo de Souza Fagundes, Yan Vidal de Figueiredo Gomes Diniz, Robert Ferreira, Marcos Gervásio Pereira · Revista Brasileira de Ciência do Solo · Brazil (Rio de Janeiro)
This study investigated the effect of tillage with plowing and drainage on Histosol properties in three land use systems in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The research focused on areas subjected to different land use systems over the last twenty years, aiming to understand how management practices impact these carbon and nitrogen-rich soils.
Organic cycleClimate changePROJETO HORTA ESCOLAR NA BAHIA
2020Cassia Silva Santos Góes · Revista Integrativa de Inovações Tecnológicas nas Ciências da Saúde · Brazil
This paper documents the presentation of the “School Garden Project in Bahia” at the International Congress on Technological Innovation in Health Sciences, held from November 15 to 18, 2017, at IFBA SAJ. The presentation highlighted the school's experiences with a social community garden, including resistances, advancements, garden care outside school hours, and the teaching of composting and natural fertilizers using organic compounds.
Food educationCommunityCompostOrganic cycleModeling the Potential Productivity of Urban Agriculture and Its Impacts on Soil Quality Through Experimental Research on Scale-Appropriate Systems
2020John Taylor · Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems · United States (Rhode Island)
This long-term replicated trial in Rhode Island evaluated the yield performance and soil quality impacts of four small-scale food production systems over three summer growing seasons. While total marketable food yields (2.22 to 2.96 kg m-2) were modest compared to biointensive agriculture (4.64 kg m-2), individual crop yields often exceeded regional and national averages without soil quality loss. The study addresses a lack of experimental research on urban agriculture and provides a framework for normative research, offering more reliable yield estimates for modeling urban production potential.
Governance failureFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityOrganic cycleClimate changeNatural enemy–herbivore networks along local management and landscape gradients in urban agroecosystems
2020Stacy M. Philpott, Azucena Lucatero, Peter Bichier, Monika Egerer, Shalene Jha, Brenda B. Lin, Heidi Liere · Ecological Applications · United States (California)
This study investigated natural-enemy-herbivore co-occurrence networks associated with Brassica oleracea in 24 urban vegetable gardens in the California, USA central coast region. Increased floral richness and B. oleracea abundance were associated with increased parasitoid and non-aphid herbivore abundance, and increased network vulnerability. Increased vegetation complexity suppressed parasitoid abundance but boosted network vulnerability. High agricultural land-use cover around urban gardens was associated with lower predator, parasitoid, and non-aphid herbivore abundance, lower natural-enemy:herbivore ratios, lower interaction richness, and higher trophic complementarity.
CommunityBiodiversityOrganic cycleEdible Landscaping Using the Nine Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Principles
2020Tiare Saracino, Lynn Barber, Esen Momol, Tina McIntyre, Tom Wichman, Gail Hansen, Jen Marvin, Terra Freeman, Joseph Sewards, Wendy Wilber, Jacqlyn Rivas · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · United States (Florida)
The objective of this publication is to address the important concern of maintaining edible landscapes in a way that protects the environment for Florida's water quality. It introduces the framework of the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principles and applies these principles to guide decisions about Best Management Practices (BMPs) for the care of edible landscapes.
DIYOrganic cycleClimate changeUso de materiais recicláveis na implantação de hortas escolares
2020Marisa Menezes Leal, Bianca Motta Dolianitis, Jaqueline Rambo Anschau, Janessa Aline Zappe, Rosana Santos de Moraes, Marcelito Cavalheiro, Jean Carlos Robattini, Bruno Luan da Rosa Machado, Kelen Dal-Souto Frescura, Viviane Da-Souto Frescura · Ciência e Natura · Brazil (Rio Grande do Sul)
This study aimed to implement school gardens using recyclable materials in several schools in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Pet bottles, tires, pallets, and shingles were used to prepare beds and support plants. The activities were carried out by members of the "Living Garden Extension Project at School" in collaboration with students and teachers, and the garden space was utilized as an environment for teaching various subjects.
Food educationDIYOrganic cycleA dimensão socioambiental do ensino de ciências na horta escolar
2020José Silveira Filho, Marcelo Rodrigues Tenório · Cadernos de Agroecologia · Brazil
This qualitative research, based on Paulo Freire's dialogical pedagogy, aimed to develop environmental education awareness in elementary school students through organic agriculture and sustainable cultivation techniques in a school garden. Semi-structured interviews with students revealed that activities in the school garden contributed to modifying their habits and attitudes towards nature. The study found that the school garden fostered a sense of solidarity, group work, and the development of citizens capable of addressing social and environmental problems.
Food educationCommunityOrganic cycleClimate changeRooftop Farm Soils for Sustainable Water and Nitrogen Management
2020Yoshiki HARADA, Thomas H. Whitlow, Nina Bassuk, Jonathan Russell‐Anelli · Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems · United States (New York City)
This study compared various soil mixes for rooftop farms to assess stormwater retention, yield, and quality of drought-sensitive crops. A 5-week greenhouse experiment cultivated leaf lettuce using an irrigation rate mimicking average growing season precipitation for New York City, comparing five soil mixes made of coconut coir, biochar, and animal manure compost, plus a commercial rooftop farm soil. Three soil mixes showed good yield with water retention rates up to 100%, and drainage nitrogen output levels were less than 13% of current levels at an operational rooftop farm in NYC.
CompostClimate changeOrganic cycleFarming Food and Community
2020Theresa J Beardell · Digital Commons @ Connecticut College (Connecticut College) · United States
Sprout is a community garden and direct-to-consumer farm dedicated to building community and empowering individuals through the shared effort of growing and eating good food. Cultivation at Sprout is led by the conviction that good food is produced in a way that is ethical in both its environmental and social impacts.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceHealthOrganic cycleDiffering Visions of Agriculture: Industrial‐Chemical vs. Small Farm and Urban Organic Production
2020Heather Gray, K. Rashid Nuri · American Journal of Economics and Sociology · United States
This paper argues that industrial-chemical agriculture has abandoned the foundations of healthy agriculture, such as seed diversity and soil preservation, replacing them with genetically uniform crops. In contrast, it states that in the United States, small farms and urban agriculture are providing healthy food and reconnecting city dwellers with the life of the soil.
Food sovereignty & justiceOrganic cycleCommunityLaboratorios para la Vida
2020Bruce G. Ferguson, Helda Morales · · Mexico (Chiapas)
The Laboratorios para la Vida action research team in Chiapas, Mexico, trains educators to use school gardens and local food systems as venues for experiential learning. However, teachers face a host of hurdles to successful garden programs, including high teacher turnover, lack of space, and the difficulty of matching garden growth with the national curriculum calendar.
Governance failureFood educationCommunityOrganic cycle