Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
940 results(32 / 38)
Transformaciones del paisaje: género y hábitat
2012Carmenza Ochoa Ochoa · Dialnet (Universidad de la Rioja) · Colombia
Applied research based on Participatory Action Research (IAP) was conducted in Soacha municipality, Cundinamarca, Colombia, with vulnerable populations participating in an urban agriculture program. The study aimed to develop local and simple alternatives for environmental management and landscape improvement, focusing on the reuse and proper management of wastewater for crop irrigation. The project was carried out as stipulated and evolved during its implementation due to its IAP methodology, with observations, conclusions, and notes presented.
CommunityPolicyOrganic cycleWelfare11072 - Instalação de hortas orgânicas em escolas públicas de ensino fundamental e médio de Solânea, PB
2012Germano Laurentino da Cunha, Adriana Celi Alves Martins, Maria José Araújo Wanderley, Raunira da Costa Araújo, Terezinha Domiciano Dantas Martins, Francisca Alexandre de Lima · Cadernos de Agroecologia · Brazil (Solânea)
This project aimed to establish organic vegetable gardens in public elementary and high schools in Solânea, Paraíba, Brazil. Funded by CNPq, the initiative involved installing 14 garden beds with various vegetables in each participating school. Students received mini-courses on organic vegetable production, and participated in making compost and biofertilizers. The target audience demonstrated receptiveness and support for the work.
Food educationCommunityCompostOrganic cycleDe la acrópolis a la agrópolis: estrategias en busca de una seguridad alimentaria y sostenibilidad ambiental
2012Raul Alberto Marino Zamudio · · Global
Global cities are major consumers of resources, and their uncontrolled expansion blurs rural-urban boundaries, impacting agricultural production essential for food security. This article examines the causes of the global food crisis and proposes strategies for cities and communities to achieve food security and environmental sustainability. These strategies involve urban agriculture in various forms and scales, and the management of urban solid waste for fertilizer and renewable energy production.
Food sovereignty & justiceClimate changeOrganic cycleTRADITIONAL FARMING PRACTICES AND WASTEWATER IRRIGATION FARMING IN PERIURBAN, ZAMBIA
2012Evaristo Mwaba Kapungwe · Indonesian Journal of Biotechnology (Universitas Gadjah Mada) · Zambia
This study investigated farming practices related to heavy metal contaminated wastewater irrigated farming in two peri-urban areas of Zambia: New Farm in Mufulira and Chilumba Gardens in Kafue. Data was collected by observing crop cultivation activities at field plots along transects in stratified land zones. The results revealed that farming practices were characterized by traditional land management and multiple cropping systems, influenced by agro-ecological factors and the availability of heavy metal contaminated wastewater, which has the potential to contaminate soils and crops.
Contamination & food safetyPeri-urban agricultureOrganic cycleHealthAn investigation to the implementation of rainwater harvesting and filtration system in the new Student Union Building (SUB) at UBC
2012Shuyi Lu, Mostafa Oraei, Aaron Sangha, Kingson Wong · cIRcle (University of British Columbia) · Canada
This project outlines the components of a rainwater harvesting (RWH) system and five filtration methods, then analyzes two North American RWH projects. It concludes with a triple-bottom line analysis and recommendations for implementing an RWH system in the new Student Union Building (SUB) at the University of British Columbia, which aims for LEED Platinum Certification by 2014. The RWH system is intended to significantly lower water consumption by collecting, filtering, and storing rainwater for uses like irrigating a rooftop garden and flushing toilets.
Climate changeOrganic cycleGrowth 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 cycleDIYAn Assessment of Soil Health and Productivity in Urban Gardens
2012Jennifer E. Reeves · OhioLink ETD Center (Ohio Library and Information Network) · United States (Cleveland, Ohio)
This two-year study in Cleveland, Ohio, USA, investigated urban soil health via nematode food web analysis and crop productivity via tomato fruit yield in urban gardens. Market gardens showed significantly more soil organic matter, nitrogen pools, and nematode presence than community gardens in both 2011 and 2012. However, despite these differences, there was no significant difference in the total yield of tomatoes per square meter between market and community garden types in either year. Gardens with raised beds had significantly more soil moisture content and soil organic matter than those with flat beds.
Limited or null effectCommunityEconomicsOrganic cycleHealth“三型城市”下都市农业生态安全分析与评价研究——以成都市为例
2012杜受祜, 金小琴 · 西南民族大学学报：人文社会科学版 · China (Chengdu)
This study analyzes and evaluates the ecological security of urban agriculture in Chengdu, China, from 2000 to 2011, using a constructed evaluation index system. Results show that urban agricultural ecological security in Chengdu fluctuated between 2000 and 2007, then improved after 2008 under urban agricultural development. Overall, the ecological security of urban agriculture in Chengdu is trending positively.
Climate changeOrganic cyclePolicyGaseous emissions of nitrogen and carbon from urban vegetable gardens in Bobo‐Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
2012Désiré Jean‐Pascal Lompo, Sheick Sangaré, Emmanuel Compaoré, Michel Papoada Sedogo, Martina Předotová, Eva Schlecht, Andreas Buerkert · Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science · Burkina Faso (Bobo-Dioulasso)
This study determined horizontal fluxes of N, P, K, and C, and gaseous N and C emissions in two urban vegetable gardens in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, from March 2008 to March 2009. Emission rates peaked after fertilizer applications during hot midday hours, with annual gaseous N and C losses reaching 419 kg N ha−1 and 35862 kg C ha−1 at Kodéni, and 347 kg N ha−1 and 22364 kg C ha−1 at Kuinima. Ammonia emissions accounted for 73% and 77% of total estimated N losses, suggesting that nutrient management practices could benefit from better synchronizing nutrient-input rates with crop demands.
Organic cycleWelfarePeri-urban agricultureThe Learning Gardens Laboratory: Teaching Sustainability and Developing Sustainable Food Systems Through Unique Partnerships
2012Heather Burns, Weston Miller · Journal of Agriculture Food Systems and Community Development · United States (Portland)
The Learning Gardens Laboratory (LGL) in Portland, Oregon, a partnership between Portland State University and Oregon State University, develops garden-based education programs to advance sustainable food systems and sustainability education. LGL's pedagogical principles, drawn from permaculture and ecological design, include interdisciplinary and place-based learning. The paper discusses these principles in relation to LGL's educational programs, highlighting the Beginning Urban Farming Apprenticeship and Lane Middle School Garden-Based Education programs.
Food educationCommunityOrganic cycleClimate changeResearch on three small-scale agricultural ecological-economic systems in Shenzhen City based on emergy analysis
2012杨卓翔 YANG Zhuoxiang, 高阳 GAO Yang, Zhao Zhi, 李双成 LI Shuangcheng · Acta Ecologica Sinica · China (Shenzhen)
An emergy analysis compared the emergy input structure, production efficiency, environmental load, and sustainability of three farms (Biling Modern Agricultural Technology Park, Xili Orchard, and Shanhai Farm) in Shenzhen, China. Xili Orchard showed a high reliance on renewable resources, the lowest environmental load ratio, and the highest emergy indices for sustainable development. Shanhai Farm had a low reliance on renewable resources, the highest environmental load ratio, and was assessed as having the lowest sustainable development capacity.
EconomicsClimate changeOrganic cycleDigital agriculture2012 LAND GRANT AND SEA GRANT NATIONAL WATER CONFERENCE Portland, OR Poster Abstract Stormwater management education and best management practice (BMP) implementation in the City of Newark
2012Jillian Thompson, Christopher C. Obropta · · United States (Newark)
In 2009, the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Water Resources Program, funded by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, implemented stormwater management education and best management practices (BMPs) in Newark, New Jersey. The initiative aimed to reduce combined sewer overflow (CSO) discharges. Through this effort, a formerly vacant lot was transformed into a community garden featuring a 1,550-gallon cistern and a rain garden, with educational training provided to ex-offenders and sixth-grade students.
CommunityClimate changeOrganic cycleLa agricultura urbana como estrategia para la sostenibilidad en la ciudad contemporánea
2012Raúl Puente-Asuero · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Global
This chapter provides a critical and propositional analysis of the integration of agricultural production into contemporary urban metabolism. It positions urban agriculture as a strategic green infrastructure capable of mitigating the dysfunctions of the diffuse city model. The text analyzes how urban agriculture acts as a mechanism for urban resilience, allowing the city to recover lost ecosystem functions, improve social cohesion, and reduce its ecological footprint through food sovereignty and on-site organic waste management.
Food sovereignty & justiceOrganic cycleCommunityClimate changePolicyAnnual change and temporal change of fertilizer component in rooftop garden thin substratum light soil
2012Takanori Kuronuma, Saori Hashimoto, Ryuta CHIMURA, Haruaki YOKOKAWA, Kazunori Sakamoto, Hitoshi Watanabe · Journal of the Japanese Society of Revegetation Technology · Japan
This study investigated the annual changes in lightweight soil in a thin substratum rooftop garden planted with Zoysia grass. No annual changes were observed in grass growth or soil physical properties. Soil organic matter tended to increase after construction, and nutrient salt content was comparable to golf course green soil diagnostic standards. However, nutrient salt levels in unused lightweight soil were significantly higher than after construction and decreased annually. No difference in nutrient salt content was confirmed with or without additional fertilization, suggesting the need for fertilization management tailored to the unique rooftop environment.
Organic cycleBiodiversityClimate changeAssessing and managing soil quality for urban agriculture in Ohio
2012Josh Beniston · The Knowledge Bank (The Ohio State University) · United States (Ohio)
An experiment on assessing and managing soil quality for urban agriculture was conducted during the 2011 and 2012 growing seasons on demolished vacant urban lots in Youngstown, Ohio. Soil compaction was identified as a primary constraint, with high bulk density values of 1.79 g cm⁻³ for in-ground plots and 1.55 g cm⁻³ for raised beds. Crop yield data from 2011 showed that both compost-amended and compost + biochar-amended plots had significantly greater crop yields than control plots, with compost + biochar plots achieving the highest harvest index values.
Contamination & food safetyOrganic cycleCompostHealthControle alternativo do moleque-da-bananeira e manejo de hortas agroecológicas em comunidades do Semiárido nordestino.
2012Adriana Franklin de Souza da Silva, M. M. da Silva, L. M. de Santana, A. N. Moreira, J. R. B. Pereira, S. A. S. Amorim, C. R. R. S. França, A. P. G. Santos, Rooselvelt Izel Pereira de Melo · infoteca-e (Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation) · Brazil
This study describes multiple participatory research and technological learning fields concerning alternative control of banana weevils and the management of agroecological gardens in communities of the Brazilian Northeast Semi-arid region. These include projects on the Maria Tereza Project, Senator Nilo Coelho Irrigation Project, community agroecological gardens in Nova Descoberta, Petrolina, PE, chemical characteristics of biofertilizer, adaptation of lettuce varieties, and cultivation of different species using well water.
CommunityOrganic cycleBiodiversityMaterial Ecocriticism: Dirt, Waste, Bodies, Food, and Other Matter
2012D. Z. Phillips, Heather I. Sullivan · ISLE Interdisciplinary Studies in Literature and Environment · United States
This collection of essays for ISLE assesses the material aspects of healthy economies, environments, and bodies, arguing that the traditional economic-ecological "health" dichotomy is insufficient. It finds that the determination of "healthy" is complex, as artificial environments can be benign, and even a flourishing community garden can have neglected produce going to waste. The essays explore how a large number of healthy human bodies can be detrimental to healthy environments.
Limited or null effectCommunityFood lossOrganic cycleEdible 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 cycleUrban agriculture in Senegal: effect of wastewater on the agronomical performance and hygienic quality of tomato and lettuce
2012Y. Niang, S. Niang, Saliou Niassy, Y Dieng, Mohamed Gaye, K. Diarra · International Journal of Biological and Chemical Sciences · Senegal
This study assessed the effect of wastewater on the agronomical performance and hygienic quality of tomato and lettuce in Senegal, comparing it to tap water, irrigation modes, and fertilizers. While tomato showed no pathogenic germs with wastewater, lettuce watered with wastewater via aspersion contained significantly more pathogenic germs than those watered in draining mode. Significant differences in yield and fruit size were observed between lettuce treated with tap water and wastewater.
Contamination & food safetyHealthOrganic cycleLos cultivos de cobertura en la horticultura familiar urbana: una oportunidad para mejorar la formación del estudiante de agronomía.
2012Marcelo Milo Vaccaro, Geovanny Francisco Ruiz Muñoz, CARLOS HENRIQUE FARIAS TORRES, Javier Couretot · · Argentina (Rosario)
Research conducted in Rosario, Argentina, in 2012, evaluated the efficiency of cover crops in recovering urban soils and characterized agro-ecological practices among urban vegetable producers. The study found that cover crops are effective for urban land recovery and that producers possess the knowledge to integrate them. Additionally, the experience enhanced agricultural engineering students' professional training by developing their social skills and ethical commitment.
CommunityFood educationOrganic cycleBM균 및 Biochar를 이용한 친환경 옥상녹화시스템 개발
2012고성철, 김수현, 김경묵, 장재수, 이은희 · 한국생태환경건축학회 학술발표대회 논문집 · Global
This study focused on implementing a functional rooftop garden using biochar and the microbial consortium BM-S-1. Biochar amendment reduced heavy metal (Pb and Zn) runoff and maintained more moisture to stimulate plant growth, but it did not maintain NO3- and PO43-. The amendment of biochar and BM-S-1 somewhat inhibited the growth of broadleaf liriope, while biochar amendment increased tolerance to storm carrying salt.
BiodiversityClimate changeOrganic cycleCommunity Supported Agriculture is thriving in the Central Valley
2012Ryan E. Galt, Libby O'Sullivan, Jessica Beckett, Colleen C. Hiner · California Agriculture · United States (California)
This study investigated Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) operations in California's Central Valley and surrounding foothills, United States. Surveys and in-depth interviews were conducted with 54 CSA farmers and two CSA organizers, focusing on CSA type, economic viability, farmer characteristics, and farm attributes. Findings revealed that 54% of CSAs reported profitability, farmers were generally younger, better educated, and more likely to be women, and farms were small, utilizing agroecological methods.
CSA & TeikeiEconomicsCommunityOrganic cycleUso eficiente del agua en la Agricultura Urbana. Efficient use of water in Agriculture Urban
2012Rolando León Aguilar, Zemedhun Girma Hailu · Avanzada Científica · Cuba
In Cuba, food production for the population is a state priority, and urban production has achieved rapid development in the last decade. Vegetable production is among the prioritized subprograms, but challenges exist regarding water and organic matter.
Urban–rural linkageOrganic cycleFood sovereignty & justiceDesenvolvimento do milheto sob adubação orgânica no município de Corrente, PI
2012Alisson Amorim da Silva Aguiar, Sammy Sidney Rocha Matías, Ribeiro Sousa, Rafaela, Roberto Lustosa Silva, Júlio César Azevedo Nóbrega · Dialnet (Universidad de la Rioja) · Brazil (Corrente)
This study evaluated the development of pearl millet on soils with different levels of manure in Corrente, Piauí, Brazil. Conducted in a greenhouse, the experiment used a completely randomized design with four manure percentages (0%, 20%, 40%, 60%) and three replications. Cattle manure significantly affected the number of leaves, plant height, shoot dry mass, and main root length, with the 40% manure dose showing nutrient levels closest to ideal for maximum efficiency.
CompostOrganic cycleCommunitySuitability of urban wastes for crop production in Zaria, northern Nigeria: bioavailability and geochemical fractions of potentially toxic elements
2012Sebastian U. Ugbaje, John O. Agbenin · International Journal of Environmental Studies · Nigeria
A pot experiment in Zaria, northern Nigeria, evaluated the chemical forms and phytoavailability of Cr, Ni, and Pb in savannah soil amended with two urban wastes and planted with sorghum. While urban waste application increased total metal concentrations in the soil, only Pb uptake by sorghum increased, with no corresponding increases for Cr and Ni. A single application of urban wastes significantly increased Pb uptake by sorghum, raising concerns about the long-term consequences of such applications in urban and peri-urban agriculture, especially regarding children's exposure to Pb.
Contamination & food safetyOrganic cycleHealth