Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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Critical findings
845 results(31 / 34)
Evaluation of growing media for annual herb production in green roof modular trays
2012Mary Margaret Fischer · OpenSIUC (Southern Illinois University Carbondale) · United States
This study evaluated commercial and vermicompost-blended green roof media for annual herb production in shallow modular trays on a university roof in Southern Illinois, Carbondale, during two experiments in 2011. The commercially available media generally produced more significant results for shoot growth parameters in sweet basil, Thai basil, and parsley. Partial shade also showed significant effects on shoot-to-root ratio in the first experiment, while most basil variables were insignificant in the second.
DIYClimate changeBiodiversityFood sovereignty & justiceS12RS SGFB No. 5 (Sustainable Edible)
2012Wyatt · Civil War Book Review · United States
This finance bill (S12RS SGFB No. 5) aims to allocate $1,256.50 from the Student Senate General Contingency Account to fund the materials for the installation of sustainable edible landscaping on campus.
DIYEconomicsGuerrilla Gardening - zwischen Street Art und der Rückkehr zur Natur
2012Barbara Uhlig · edoc Publication server (Humboldt University of Berlin) · Germany
This study analyzes guerrilla gardening as a protest movement where activists plant flowers, trees, and vegetables on derelict urban spaces without owner permission. The motivations for guerrilla gardening are pragmatic, ecological, political, and aesthetic, though its artistic status is often denied. The study demonstrates that guerrilla gardening aligns with George Dickie's institutional theory of art and can be classified as art.
CommunityPolicyBiodiversityDIYChapter 27 Urban agriculture and seasonal food footprints: an LCA study of tomato production and consumption in the UK
2012Gillean M. Denny · · United Kingdom
This study investigated the ability of urban agriculture (UA) to decrease food-related greenhouse gas emissions, using a life cycle analysis of tomatoes, produce surveys in East Anglia, and household surveys of 183 UA-practicing households. It found that UA participation can reduce an individual's tomato consumption emissions from 52.4 kg CO2e/yr to 11.2 kg CO2e/yr. This reduction amounts to 44% from a non-UA, low-emission diet and 78% from a supermarket diet.
Climate changeFood miles & supply chainDIYEconomicsA Study on Experimental Construction of Community Garden - A Case Study on Rooftop of SAHA Disabled Welfare House -
2012Seunghwan Kim, Sung-Yung Yoon, Min-Jun Cha, Hae-Jin Yoo, Ji‐Young Cho, Yoon‐Sun Kim · Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture · South Korea
This study investigated the planning, construction, partnership, and cost-sharing processes of an experimental rooftop community garden at a disabled welfare house in South Korea. The project, led by Busan Green Trust and a citizens' council, involved funding from Standard Chartered SC First Bank, volunteers, and administrative support. The established garden provided food production, urban agriculture experience, horticultural therapy, and cultural space for users, demonstrating the potential for low-cost rooftop community gardens to improve urban environments and foster community.
CommunityWelfareHealthDIYGrowth Characteristics of Herbaceous Plants by Soil Condition to Revitalize the Urban Agriculture
2012Won Jei Park, Kyung Hwan Han, Soon Hyo Kwon, Mi Ok Park, Bon Hak Koo · Journal of the Korea Society of Environmental Restoration Technology · South Korea
This study investigated optimal soil-plant combinations for urban agriculture by analyzing herbaceous plant growth in different soil types. Four commercial soils (A, B, C, D) and granite soil (E, control) were tested with fruit, leafy, and medicinal vegetables. Fruit and leafy vegetables generally grew best in D-type soil mixture and A-type soil, and poorest in control E-type soil. 'Chrysanthemum zawadskii var. latilobum' grew best in D, B, C mixed soils and A-type soil, while 'Liriope platyphylla F. T. Wang & T. Tang' showed insignificant growth differences across soils.
Organic cycleDIYEvaluation on Actual Condition and Image Analysis of Roof Garden in Seoul, Korea
2012Minjae Kong, Kwang-Lai Park, Jin-Kwan Son, Ji-Hoon Shin · Journal of the Korea Society of Environmental Restoration Technology · South Korea (Seoul)
This study investigated the characteristics of rooftop gardens (farms) in 40 areas in Seoul, Korea. Cabbage, lettuce, pepper, and mini-tomatoes were the most preferred vegetables and fruits. Problems observed in rooftop gardens during cultivation included drainage systems, soil management, the cost or quality of planting mats, and diseases and insects.
Environmental trade-offsDIYCommunityHealthEconomicsMicro-agricoltura e sistemi lineari
2012Alessandra Giannini, Andrea Oldani · TERRITORIO · Global
Micro-agriculture refers to small-scale agriculture, in contrast to intensive agriculture and monoculture. It is a collection of 'small scale' agricultural practices, including horticulture (such as urban vegetable gardens), fruit-growing, or flower-growing. Micro-agriculture is a landscape defined by garden plots and materials, forming a unified yet diversified whole that differs from traditional agricultural landscapes in its reduced scale, biological richness, material variety, and heterogeneous landscape.
DIYCommunityUrban–rural linkageEvaluation of Life Cycle Carbon Dioxide Emissions through Sustainable Lifestyles Related to Food Production and Consumption: Case Study of Osaka
2012Yugo YAMAMOTO, Asami ORITA, Motoyuki NAGAI · Studies in Regional Science · Japan (Osaka)
A questionnaire survey was conducted among LOHAS (Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability) and general consumers in Osaka Prefecture to identify sustainable lifestyles related to food production and consumption and evaluate their effect on CO2 emissions. LOHAS consumers tended to participate in local food production activities and make purchasing decisions based on health and environmental consciousness. Their total daily life CO2 emissions were 15% lower than regular consumers, but their transportation-related CO2 emissions were higher due to roundtrips to local farm shops.
CommunityClimate changeDIYAn investigation into new SUB rooftop garden irrigations systems
2012Seungmin Lee, Alexandra Nan, Meredith Kealty, Kevin Pan · cIRcle (University of British Columbia) · Canada
This report assesses irrigation systems for a new rooftop garden at the Student Union Building (SUB) in Vancouver, Canada, which aims for LEED Platinum+ certification. Micro-irrigation is recommended due to limited space, the need for high water efficiency, and a low carbon footprint. Micro-irrigation systems apply water directly to plants, reducing evaporation and energy costs, with an observed 80% improvement in water efficiency compared to conventional practices.
DIYClimate changeEnacting food sovereignty: values and meanings in the act of domestic food production in urban Australia
2012Nicolette Larder, Kristen Lyons, Geoffrey Woolcock · Local Environment · Australia
This article explores the values and meanings domestic food producers associate with urban backyard food production in Australia. Through interviews with eight domestic food producers in one Australian city, the study finds that the act of growing food at home offers space for hope. These small acts are seen as part of the broader food sovereignty movement seeking to remake the global food system.
Food sovereignty & justiceDIYCommunityEdible Landscaping and Xeriscaping
2012Avi Friedman · Island Press/Center for Resource Economics eBooks · Global
This chapter discusses the problems of conventional landscaping, which requires excessive water, maintenance, and chemicals, leading to resource depletion and pollution. Alternative practices such as edible landscaping and xeriscaping are gaining traction in residences, as they can significantly reduce adverse environmental effects while maintaining aesthetic value. The principles and applications of these methods are discussed in this chapter.
DIYClimate changeOrganic cycleLos diseños verticales y la agricultura unidos para la producción de alimentos en los Módulos para Huertas Urbanas Verticales
2012Fritz Hammerling Navas Navarro, Luz Mila Peña Torres · Revista de Investigación Agraria y Ambiental · Global
Urban Vertical Garden Modules (MHUV) are introduced as a hybrid of vertical gardens and urban agriculture. This study presents a "culinary and medicinal module" that can be placed in kitchens, rooftops, or patios, proposing the cultivation of species like thyme, mint, and parsley. The module consists of three recyclable plastic baskets, each with four rows and a capacity for fourteen seedlings, supported vertically by a recycled wooden structure.
DIYUrban–rural linkageHealthGrowing Community Resilience: Empowering Neighborhoods with Tools of Design for the Northern Climate
2012Anna Biebrauer · University of Minnesota Digital Conservancy (University of Minnesota) · Global
This handbook provides a basic design primer for urban farmers, gardeners, and community groups interested in creating pocket farms, community gardens, or CSAs. It compiles urban agriculture components, precedents, and design considerations for arrangement, construction, perception, and use by farmers and their communities. The suggested ideas and plants are tailored for the Northern climate (hardy to USDA Zone 4).
CommunityDIYCSA & TeikeiUrban Agriculture Production Mode 2:Research and Development of Ornamental Vegetable
2012Yang Dan-ni · Journal of Changjiang Vegetables · Global
This paper examines the changing functions of vegetable production in urban agriculture and highlights the significance of promoting ornamental vegetable production and marketing. It proposes that the research and development of ornamental vegetables represents a viable urban agriculture production mode, facilitating cultivation shifts from rural areas to cities, enterprises to families, and fields to balconies. Key development areas include cultivar selection, equipment innovation, cultivation technology, marketing, and service system construction.
DIYEconomicsUrban–rural linkageThe role of green roof technology in urban agriculture
2011Leigh Whittinghill, D. Bradley Rowe · Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems · Global
Urban agriculture faces limitations including competition for space, lack of formalized land use rights, and health hazards from food contamination. Green roof technology is proposed as a method to alleviate these issues, potentially reducing the use of contaminated land and water at ground level. However, for large-scale implementation, installation costs must be reduced, roof weight limitations assessed, and appropriate management practices developed.
Contamination & food safetyDIYHealthPolicyClimate changeDESIGN LIVE LOADS FOR ROOFTOP GARDENS BASED ON SURVEY RESULTS OF URBAN DETACHED HOUSES
2011Takao Koyama, Takayuki Minagawa, Tsutomu Hanai, Hideki IDOTA · Journal of Structural and Construction Engineering (Transactions of AIJ) · Japan (Tokyo)
The validity of using residential design live loads for rooftop gardens has not been confirmed. This study proposes new design live load values for rooftop gardens based on building survey results from 24 steel-framed houses in the Tokyo area. The proposed design live load value will enable rational structural design for residences with rooftop gardens.
DIYPossibilities of using ornamental vegetables in landscape architecture.
2011S. L. Balcău, Maria Apahidean · Bulletin of University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca Horticulture · Global
This paper emphasizes that vegetables can be used not only for alimentary purposes but also for decoration, proposing the "edible landscaping" system. Root vegetables can be used for creating vegetation carpets and beds, kale for borders, squares, and flower stands, and vegetables cultivated for pods, beans, and capsules for decorating pergolas and towers. Green vegetables are preferred for creating colorful views or color contrasts. To arrange beautiful gardens using ornamental vegetables, basic landscape architecture principles must be followed, and plants chosen carefully.
DIYSpace to Grow: Women, art, and the urban agriculture movement
2011A. J. Gilbert, Yael Raviv · Women & Performance a journal of feminist theory · Global
The abstract for this record is incomplete. It introduces "Sharecropper," a series of micro farming installations, as an artistic, practical, and philosophical exploration of growing, cooking, and eating food within a community.
CommunityFood educationDIYDesigning a School Garden Space that Emphasizes Children's Wants and Uses Permaculture Design Methods
2011Mikhaela Mullins · Lincoln (University of Nebraska) · United States (Lincoln)
This case study at Saratoga Elementary School in Lincoln, Nebraska, aimed to identify children's desires for a garden space. A school garden was constructed, and an after-school garden club was implemented, where participating students drew their ideal gardens. Elements from these drawings were categorized as 'highly desired' or 'somewhat desired' and subsequently integrated into a proposed garden design plan for Saratoga, which utilizes Permaculture design methods for sustainability.
Food educationDIYOrganic cycleUrban Agriculture: Ideas and Designs for the New Food Revolution
2011David Tracey · · Global
This text outlines various ideas and designs for urban agriculture, ranging from small-scale indoor cultivation like windowsill herbs and sprouts to container gardening in tight spaces. It also covers integrating food-growing into backyards, utilizing front lawns for food movements, engaging in public and community gardening, establishing community orchards, and exploring future farm concepts for higher yields.
DIYCommunityFood sovereignty & justice11398 - Efeito do tamanho do recipiente e de substratos na produção de mudas de andiroba
2011Renato Teixeira de Oliveira · Cadernos de Agroecologia · Brazil (Fortaleza)
This experiment, conducted at the Urban Agriculture Teaching and Research Center of the Federal University of Ceará in Fortaleza, Brazil, evaluated the influence of different container sizes and substrates on andiroba seedling development. Seedlings grown in 24.6 L polyethylene bags showed statistically superior aerial part height, collar diameter, main root length, and dry mass of aerial part and root system compared to those produced in smaller bags after 190 days. Dry masses of the aerial part and roots were also greater for seedlings developed in the substrate containing earthworm humus.
DIYOrganic cycleUSE OF COMPOST WITH MICROBIAL INOCULATION IN CONTAINER MEDIA FOR MUNGBEAN (Vigna radiata L. Wilckzek ) AND PECHAY (Brassica napus L.)
2011Bayani M. Espiritu · Journal of the International Society for Southeast Asian Agricultural Sciences · Asia
This study investigated the effects of microbially inoculated compost on mungbean and pechay growth in container media. Compost from coconut coir dust and chicken manure was inoculated with nitrogen-fixing bacteria (Azotobacter sp.) and/or cellulolytic fungi (Trichoderma harzianum). Mungbean plants supplied with uninoculated compost showed the lowest fresh biomass and nodule count, while compost with combined Azotobacter sp. and T. harzianum inoculation significantly increased fresh biomass and nodule numbers in mungbean, and showed similar positive results for pechay.
CompostDIYWelfareOrganic cycleEntre el jardín y el huerto urbano. Propuestas de intervención crítica en la ciudad.
2011José Luis Galdeano Tostado · Creatividad y sociedad: revista de la Asociación para la Creatividad · Global
This paper observes an increasing awareness of environmental issues and neighborhood action in city centers, with concepts like urban gardens and self-managed spaces becoming more familiar. It suggests that vacant lands and unused building sites in cities offer significant potential for citizens' creative initiatives. The abstract does not present any specific findings on governance challenges or critical interventions.
Governance failureCommunityDIYPolicyUrban–rural linkageA Woman of the Soil in Kansas City
2011Dale Maharidge · · United States (Kansas City)
This chapter introduces the success story of Sherri Harvel, who was active in a community garden in Kansas City. Having joined the garden in the early 1990s, she quit her banking job in 2003 to become an urban farmer. She named her new business Root Deep Urban Farm.
CommunityEconomicsDIY