Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
132 results(4 / 6)
School Garden—Plastic Wading Pool Hydroponics
2016Edmund L. Thralls · EDIS · United States
This 4-page fact sheet, published by the UF Department of Environmental Horticulture in October 2015, provides instructions for creating a hydroponic garden using a plastic wading pool. It details the materials, tools, and construction steps required to grow various crops in a liquid nutrient solution. The publication aims to engage youth in food systems through hydroponics in school garden settings.
Food educationDIYVeganic farming at the Montreal Vegan Festival
2016Stéphane Stéphane · · Canada
Stephane Groleau gave a talk on Urban Vegan Agriculture at the Montreal Vegan Festival on November 6, 2016. The event also featured an information booth on veganic agriculture. The talk highlighted that growing food in cities without animal exploitation is possible, despite urban agriculture often relying on such practices.
DIYFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityBrooklyn Farmer
2015Andrew Koval · Educational Media Reviews Online · United States (New York City)
The 27-minute documentary film "Brooklyn Farmer" (2014) covers organic urban rooftop farming as a business. The film offers perspectives on the cost of farm labor's exposure to pesticides versus the increased cost of organic vegetables, citing aesthetics, supply chain reduction, and human health as benefits of urban farming. While noted for its informative text and enhanced production value, a stated limitation is that it should have featured farmers in a more traditional vegetable production capacity to provide a diversity of opinion concerning the market.
DIYEconomicsHealthFood educationTrace Metal Contamination in New York City Garden Soils
2015Zhongqi Cheng, Anna Paltseva, Ireyena Li, Tatiana Morin, Hermine Huot, Sara Perl Egendorf, Zulema Su, Roxanne Yolanda, Kishan Singh, Leda Lee, Michael Grinshtein, Ying Liu, Kayo Green, Win Wai, Bushra Wazed, Richard K. Shaw · Soil Science · United States (New York City)
This study analyzed trace metal concentrations (Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Pb) in 1,652 soil samples from 904 gardens in New York City. It found that many soils exceeded New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's Soil Cleanup Objective (SCO) limits for Pb, Cr, As, and Cd. Specifically, about 21% of community garden samples and 71% of home garden samples exceeded SCO limits for Pb and As, and less than 3% of all samples met criteria for unrestricted use.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCommunityDIYNotes toward an Introduction: Friendship as a Way of Life
2015Benjamin Shepard · Palgrave Macmillan US eBooks · United States (New York City)
This paper describes a guerilla gardening action that took place in August 2012 at a vacant lot at 181 Stanton Street in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, New York City. Activists dismantled a fence, cleaned the lot, and planted flowers, transforming it into a community space. Within weeks, community support led to the passage of a resolution supporting a green-thumb lease for the garden, named Siempre Verde.
CommunityDIYEngaging First Year Students through Service Learning Projects: Designing for Community Gardens
2015Karinna Vernaza · · United States
This paper describes a semester-long, community-based service learning project at Gannon University's First-Year Seminar in Engineering, utilizing the university's community garden. Projects included designing a rainwater collection system and vertical planters to engage first-year students in the engineering design process. Students' self-reported data indicated increased appreciation for engineering design and understanding of societal engineering solutions.
Food educationCommunityDIYAgricultura 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 cycleAn 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.
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 educationCommunityDIYPracticing 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 educationClimate 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 chainCommunityDIYComplexity & Urban Agriculture
2014M. Ubarevicius · · United States (New York City)
An architectural project for urban agriculture was developed on the East River waterfront in Manhattan, New York City. Advanced simulation techniques and computational methods were used to optimize building organization and shape for efficient natural resource use, including greenhouses generating energy from river water and a building shape optimized for wind concentration. The building also integrates food production with storage, processing, distribution, education, preparation, and service functions.
DIYFood educationEconomicsClimate changeA strategy for food system sustainability in the University Bolevard Neighbourhood : initiatives within the residence buildings
2014Laura Chan, Jeff Friedrich, Katie Garthwaite, Sundeep Khakh, Sarah Morrison, Meredith Seeton · cIRcle (University of British Columbia) · Canada
This student project developed a strategy to enhance food sustainability within the residences of UBC's proposed University Boulevard Neighbourhood, specifically through rooftop gardens integrated with residential commons space. The strategy was based on an analysis of UBC's development plans, eco-villages, and permaculture design concepts. Recommendations included that UBC Campus and Community Planning develop standards and a framework for implementation, and that future student projects work with stakeholders to develop an action plan and indicators for food sustainable planning.
CommunityDIYPolicyOutput and cost savings of community gardens in San Jose, California (132.7)
2014Susan J. Algert, Aziz Baameur · The FASEB Journal · United States (San Jose, California)
A study in community gardens in San Jose, California, from Spring to Summer 2012, evaluated a method for quantifying crop yields and cost savings. Eighty-three community gardeners completed a background survey, and a representative subset of 10 gardeners measured produce output from their plots over a four-month growing season. Results indicated that community gardens produced 0.75 lbs of vegetables per square foot, exceeding conventional agricultural practices at 0.60 lbs/sq ft. Gardens averaged 2.55 lbs per plant and resulted in $435 in cost savings per plot for the season.
CommunityEconomicsDIYHome Gardening: An Effective Cancer Therapy
2014Mike Fillon · JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute · United States (Birmingham)
A feasibility study for "Harvest for Health," an at-home gardening intervention, was conducted in 2011 with 12 adult and child cancer survivors in Jefferson County, Alabama. This year-long pilot study measured how cancer survivors responded to the intervention, specifically its effects on their diet and exercise behaviors, health-related quality of life, biomarkers of successful aging, intestinal health, and physical functioning. Participants, supported by master gardeners, planned and planted three gardens for fall, spring, and summer, engaging in harvesting and rotation.
DIYHealthLandscape Design with Edibles
2013Gail Hansen · EDIS · United States
This 4-page fact sheet presented details to ensure the success of edible ornamental landscape design. Gardens with plants that change considerably with seasons rely more on an organized yet interesting layout, appealing support structures, functional pathways, and colorful containers and planters to provide interest and beauty when plants are not taking center stage. Twelve important ideas to consider when creating a successful edible ornamental garden are outlined.
DIYFood educationDeveloping Urban Community Garden Projects
2013Austen Moore, Amy Harder, Norma Samuel · EDIS · United States
This 7-page fact sheet provides a guide for individuals or groups interested in starting urban community gardens. Community gardens are used to grow vegetables and flowers, produce food for local consumption or sale, and teach gardening and other skills. The guide includes information on how to identify garden sites, build partnerships, engage community members, and develop a project overview.
CommunityFood educationDIYCan home gardens scale up into movements for social change? The role of home gardens in providing food security and community change in San Jose, California
2013Leslie Gray, Patricia Guzmán, K. Michelle Glowa, Ann Drevno · Local Environment · United States (California)
This article examines La Mesa Verde, a home-gardening program in San Jose, California, to assess if home gardens offer similar financial, health, and community benefits as community gardens. The research explores the potential of home gardens to foster broader social change, cultural preservation, and self-determination, especially for recent immigrants.
DIYCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceHealthEconomicsThe Raw and the Processed
2013Shelly Errington · Gastronomica The Journal of Food and Culture · United States (California)
This research article is by Shelly Errington, focusing on visible and audible aspects of culture. The author is in the Department of Anthropology at the University of California at Santa Cruz and uses her kitchen garden and edible landscape to imagine being part of the farm-to-table crowd.
DIYRoots, Tendrils, Sprouts and Shoots: A Case Study of Parkallen’s Community Garden, a permaculture project
2013Marlene Wurfel · Earth Common Journal · Canada (Edmonton)
This article presents a case study of the Parkallen Community Garden in Edmonton, Canada, which began its first growing season in Spring 2012. The garden transformed an unused strip of lawn into a communal "edible food forest" and won the City of Edmonton's top community gardening award in its first year. The study details how the permaculture design was implemented and interpreted within the gardening community.
CommunityDIYFood educationOrganic cycleSustainability through intervention: a case study of guerrilla gardening in Kingston, Ontario
2012Annie Crane, Leela Viswanathan, Graham Whitelaw · Local Environment · Canada (Kingston, Ontario)
This paper examines guerrilla gardening as an example of sustainability in action, using participatory action research methods. Two case studies were developed in Kingston, Ontario: Dig Kingston, a guerrilla gardening project, and the Oak Street Community Garden. The research found that interventions like guerrilla gardening open up unexpected possibilities for conceptualizing sustainability and contribute to producing engaging and sustainable communities.
CommunityDIYFood sovereignty & justiceEvaluation 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 & justice