Research & reports

V. Lakshmi Srinija, M Raju, P. Srinu Vasarao · International Research Journal on Advanced Engineering and Management (IRJAEM) · Global

This paper presents the design and implementation of an IoT-enabled remote control smart garden powered by a solar energy system. The system automates essential gardening tasks such as irrigation, soil moisture monitoring, temperature and humidity control, and real-time surveillance, operating independently of conventional power sources. Through sensors and a cloud platform, users can remotely monitor and control garden operations via a mobile or web application.

Zakhro Sodikova · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Global

This research proposes an AI-based IoT approach for intelligent monitoring, prediction, and automation in smart gardens. The system includes distributed environment sensors, an edge processing unit for real-time processing and decision support, and a cloud-based machine learning module for prediction and optimization. The AI-driven system attained better prediction accuracy for soil moisture estimation and used considerably less water than traditional rule-based irrigation, without compromising plant health.

Eman Aldhahri, Abdulwahab Ali Almazroi, Monagi H. Alkinani, Nasir Ayub, Elham Alghamdi, Nourah Fahad Janbi · IEEE Access · Global

This study proposes ResXceNet-HBA, a novel classification model for crop health prediction and stress assessment in urban agriculture. The model integrates ResNet blocks, Xception modules, and HBA-optimized parameters, along with data handling techniques like WICL, LFS, and AFD. ResXceNet-HBA achieved 98.5% accuracy, 98.2% precision, 98.7% recall, and 98.4% F1-Score, outperforming ResNet, CNN, and Inception V2, and executed faster in 50.9 seconds.

Sukanta Kumar Sarangi, Rajeeb K. Mohanty, Sukham Munilkumar, Jitendra Kumar Sundaray · · Global

This chapter presents new and innovative Integrated Farming System (IFS) models designed to meet future generations' needs, considering constraints on land, water, and energy. Described models include three-dimensional farming, aquapod farming, vertical farming, aquaponics, and hydroponics. The chapter also discusses strategies for doubling farmers' income, such as reducing cultivation costs and increasing production, and highlights the roles of international/national organizations and government schemes in promoting IFS.

Joseph Seong, H. Christopher Peterson, Simone Valle de Souza · Agribusiness · Global

This study evaluated the economic and environmental sustainability potential of urban indoor agriculture (IA) using a multi-objective optimization model (IA-MOO) integrating a bioeconomic model for lettuce production. Results indicated that earnings before taxes (EBT) and energy use efficiency (EUE) are generally not conflicting objectives, except for a short production schedule frame.

Rodríguez Taboada, Sanyi · Figshare · Cuba

The SolAgro Framework is an integrated agricultural engineering project by SolAgro SRL, designed for urban farms of 1 to 3 hectares in Cuba. It integrates functional agroecology, open technologies, renewable energy, and local manufacturing to create autonomous nodes of resilience. The project aims for economic returns within 12 months and social returns through youth training, consolidating technological and community sovereignty.

Khondokar H. Kabir, Jannatul Ferdows, Saifur Rahman, Ataharul Chowdhury, Md. Asaduzzaman Sarker, S.M. Asik Ullah, Mohammed Nasir Uddin, Mohammad Maruf Hasan · Urban Agriculture & Regional Food Systems · Bangladesh

An online survey of 120 rooftop gardeners in Bangladesh investigated the extent to which Facebook groups support information needs and enhance capacity. Findings indicate that information sharing in Facebook groups assists in planning, acquiring and utilizing resources, carrying out intercultural operations, and determining optimal harvesting and storage practices. Facebook can play a significant role in bridging the information gap among rooftop gardeners and enhancing their skills.

Arin Shaikh · International Journal for Research in Applied Science and Engineering Technology · Global

This paper presents a Smart Plant Monitoring System using Arduino, designed to automate irrigation and enhance plant care by continuously monitoring soil moisture, temperature, and humidity. The system, comprising an Arduino Uno, sensors, and a water pump, demonstrated a 30-40% reduction in water consumption and improved irrigation efficiency in experimental results. It is proposed for both small-scale urban gardening and large-scale agricultural applications.

Marieke van Daalen, Joris Meijer, Lisanne Koopmans · International Journal of Cloud Computing and Database Management · Global

This review examined the evolution, applications, and benefits of cloud-based platforms in climate-smart urban agriculture systems, synthesizing pre-2024 literature. It demonstrated how cloud-enabled monitoring supports energy optimization, adaptive climate control, greenhouse gas mitigation, and early stress detection in plants. The article also discussed data interoperability issues, cybersecurity concerns, and adoption barriers in low-resource settings. Findings suggest that cloud-integrated platforms enhance decision accuracy, promote sustainable water management, and strengthen resilience to climate variability.

Augusto Cáceres Núñez, Sergio Delgado Bernedo · Veritas · Global

This project designed an automated hydroponic vegetable cultivation system using NFT in vertical rotating shelves, incorporating a PLC, EC and pH sensors, and a PID control system. A Simulink simulation demonstrated the PID control system's proper behavior, ensuring stable and efficient shelf rotation. The automated system optimizes space, improves operational efficiency, reduces manual intervention, and facilitates urban agricultural management, with the design deemed viable for automated urban agriculture.

M Itendrakumar · INTERANTIONAL JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH IN ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT · Global

This review article discusses optimization of rainwater harvesting systems in high-rise buildings, addressing water-resource management challenges posed by dense populations and limited land in high-rise structures. It cites, as examples, a "Rain-Power Utilization System" that uses rainwater for both consumption and energy generation (Yu J et al.) and a decentralized rooftop-mosaic system combining rainwater harvesting with urban farming and renewable energy (Toboso-Chavero S et al., pp. 1284-1299).

Mouza Mohammed Eissa, Mohamad Zahir Zainudin, Norun Najjah Ahmat · International Journal of Social Science Research · United Arab Emirates

A qualitative study conducted semi-structured interviews with 35 stakeholders — home farmers, commercial producers, policymakers and agritech developers — in the United Arab Emirates, examined against the National Food Security Strategy 2051. It found 70% of home farmers engage in urban agriculture to reduce import dependency, but are constrained by high water costs (cited by 70%) and limited technical training (55%). Commercial farms widely use hydroponics (88%) and vertical farming (62%), though energy-water trade-offs limit scalability. Stakeholders emphasized AI-driven tools for water-use optimization (75%) and blockchain for traceability (45%); the most desired digital-platform features were real-time soil and weather data (90%), centralized subsidy access (80%) and market linkages (65%), though fragmented data systems currently limit their effectiveness. Policy implementation gaps persist, with 60% of farmers unaware of subsidy programs and minimal integration across agricultural initiatives; the study recommends expanding solar-powered irrigation subsidies, improving training and extension services, and developing a unified digital platform connecting farmers, policymakers and agritech stakeholders.

Nazmul Haque, Ranjan Roy, Abdullah All Imtiaz, Rafio Rahmatullah, Ronzon Chandra Das, S.M. Abdul Gani, Md. Shamsuzzoha, Kamrun Nahar Sheuly, Khalid Syfullah, Akther Banu · International Journal of Agricultural Extension · Bangladesh

A study of 105 climate-smart agriculture (CSA)-practicing farmers in Chuadanga district, southwestern Bangladesh, using structured face-to-face interviews. Multiple regression analysis in SPSS (version 20) across eleven variables found that education level, organizational participation, ICT access and positive attitudes toward CSA significantly influenced adoption, while farm size and access to finance had comparatively less impact. The model explained 47.7% of the variance in CSA adoption.

Manuel Ignacio Manríquez, Verónica Gil-Costa, Mauricio Marı́n · Future Internet · Global

A technical paper presenting a parallel agent-based framework for analyzing vegetable trade dynamics within a metropolitan area. It combines agent-based and discrete-event techniques to model interactions among farmers (who select crops based on market trends and environmental risk) and vendors and consumers (who adapt purchasing behavior to seasonality, prices and availability). To handle the computational demands of large-scale scenarios, it employs an optimistic approximate parallel execution strategy and a credit-based load-balancing mechanism to improve scalability. The framework is presented as enabling detailed analysis of urban food distribution systems relevant to smart cities and digital agriculture.

Filip Schilla, Gaga Mumladze, Jana Soukupová, Ľuboš Smutka · Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems · Global

This study simulated basement and ground-level room conditions — temperature, humidity, light exposure, and air quality — for cultivating Agaricus bisporus (white button mushrooms) as a form of urban agriculture, and calculated the associated costs and profits to compare feasibility between the two environments. The basement environment proved more favorable, with more stable temperatures and higher humidity reducing energy requirements, and economic analysis showed basement cultivation had lower initial and operational costs than ground-level cultivation.

Puteri Sidrotul Nabihah Saarani, Asniza Hamimi Abdul Tharim, Zulkefle Ayob, Asmalia Che Ahmad, Osman Mohd Tahir · Journal of Construction in Developing Countries · Malaysia

Using a triangulation method combining a Delphi survey with a case study, researchers identified life-cycle cost (LCC) components and phases for smart urban farming (SUF) practices in Malaysia. Iterative semi-structured interviews and Delphi rounds built expert consensus on which SUF practices matter for LCC assessment, producing a structured framework for classifying these cost components.

Aparadh Vt, V. Bhagyashree, Ms. Suman P. Meghwal, Ms. Safiya M. Raeen · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Global

This review outlines hydroponics — soilless cultivation that feeds plant roots directly with nutrient-supplemented water, often using inert media such as perlite or coco coir. It states hydroponic systems use about 90% less water than conventional agriculture and describes applications for home and commercial urban growing in areas with limited arable land, as well as potential future use in inhospitable environments such as Mars or the Moon. It also notes the method is resource-intensive, requiring specific investment and expertise, and is not suitable for all crop types.

Murali Krishna Pasupuleti · · Global

This chapter explores the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in achieving a carbon-neutral future by enhancing sustainability in urban and agricultural systems. AI optimizes energy use, resource management, and disaster resilience in urban settings, and powers precision farming and reduces emissions in agriculture. The chapter also addresses challenges such as data privacy, economic barriers, and technological limitations.

Can Xu · Applied Mathematics and Nonlinear Sciences · Global

This study demonstrates advancements in sustainable urban planning through an an AI-driven decision support system. Experimental results show solar panel efficiency at 25%, rainwater harvesting capacity at 600 liters per square meter, and 3 square meters of community garden space per resident. The system also provided 1.5 bike-sharing stations per 1000 residents, exceeding market averages in several areas.

Mascha Gugganig · Science Technology & Human Values · Global

This paper explores the arguments and internal disagreements among experts popularizing vertical farming (VF), an emerging urban food production system. While VF is promoted for its space efficiency and independence from weather, it faces debates regarding its unsustainability and high energy costs for producing a limited range of perishable foods. Findings indicate that disagreements among vanguards reveal that VF is seen as one of many solutions, not the sole answer.

Anne-Sophie Christmann, Valerie Graf‐Drasch, Ricarda Schäfer · Business & Information Systems Engineering · Global

This study explores the applicability of digital technologies in urban agriculture, given rising environmental problems and increasing food insecurity in cities. Urban spaces are challenging as they jeopardize the availability of air, water, or soil, making resource management a key issue. The research proposes a multi-layer taxonomy focusing on digital technologies, data, and different approaches in urban agriculture, along with 20 organizational readiness factors derived from academics and practitioners in the smart urban agriculture domain.

Dr. Nadeem Aslam · Frontiers in Agriculture · Global

This paper explores the future of urban agriculture, focusing on vertical farming as a promising innovation that uses controlled environments to grow crops in stacked layers. It examines the potential benefits, technological advancements, and challenges of vertical farming. The analysis suggests that vertical farming could reshape urban food systems, enhance sustainability, and contribute to urban resilience.

Aashna Sinha, Kailash Bisht, Digvijay Singh · · Global

This article explores vertical hydroponic farming, noting its benefits like reduced space and water use, and enhanced robustness with Plant Growth-Promoting Microorganisms (PGPMs). However, it also demonstrated that the system's ecological impact is significantly affected by growing media, pots, electricity use, and transportation. The study suggests potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and abiotic resource decline by using fiber as growing medium and paper containers.

Yuxin Bao, M.K. Leung, Dicken Poon, Changying Xiang · Journal of Building Engineering · Hong Kong

This article discusses the technical feasibility and design strategies for integrating high-rise residential buildings with urban agriculture in Hong Kong, using the “Green Tower Hong Kong” architectural design competition as a case study. A resilient residential high-rise building integrated with shared gardens and greenhouses was proposed for the Kwun Tong Center site. The final design can provide apartments for 2500 individuals, produce 340,750 kg of vegetables with 156% self-sufficiency, and generate 1,080,000 kWh of electricity annually.

László Csambalik, Izóra Gál, Krisztina Madaras, Andrea Tóbiás, Péter Pusztai · Urban Science · Global

This review examines soil-based urban agriculture and high-tech plant factories for urban food resilience. It finds that while vertical farms produce high yields, inhabitant involvement is minimal, offering no social advantages. Automated plant factories require few highly qualified personnel and are unlikely to contribute to urban social well-being in the future.