Research & reports

위사양, 문보희, 김선영, 오충현 · 한국환경생태학회 학술발표논문집 · South Korea

This study aimed to derive urban forest creation and management plans considering urban biodiversity enhancement for Goyang Ecological Park in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. The research analyzed the park's current status using SWOT analysis, reviewed domestic and international cases, and conducted a GAP analysis to derive strategic directions and management plans. Proposed measures include re-zoning internal spaces, enhancing connectivity between ecosystems, promoting biodiversity through artificial management, and indirectly enhancing biodiversity through environmental education.

Rung-Jiun Chou, Chen-Ting Wu, Feng-Tzu Huang · Sustainability · Taiwan (Taoyuan)

This qualitative study explored the experiences of community champions in Gaoyuan, Taoyuan City, Taiwan, where a traditional farm pond was transformed into a multi-functional urban agriculture (UA) resource. Through interviews, fieldwork, and participant observation, the study found that UA fostered a distinctive landscape, promoted cooperative working and mutual learning among local people, and built social cohesion. The farm-pond-based UA acted as a catalyst for the community's progress toward sustainability.

최희준, 이정아, 손희정, 조동길, 송영근 · · South Korea (Seoul)

This study analyzed the landscape ecological characteristics of green spaces in the high-density built-up area of Yeoksam-Dong, Seoul, and evaluated the potential for establishing green networks through urban garden introduction. The current condition of green spaces was identified across five categories: street trees, private gardens, public pocket gardens, rooftop gardens, and parks, followed by landscape index analysis and connectivity assessment. Results indicated that street trees, private gardens, and public pocket gardens show high potential for creating green networks in high-density urban areas.

Noorcahyati Noorcahyati, Sulandjari Sulandjari, Widyatmani Sih Dewi · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Indonesia (East Kalimantan)

This research aimed to observe the ecology, association, and other potential medicinal plants in the community garden in Sungai Merdeka, Samboja, East Kalimantan, focusing on the medicinal plant Akar kuning (Fibraurea tinctoria Lour.). Data collected using 20x20m purposive sampling plots found 28 species from 21 families at various growth stages. In the Akar kuning habitat, 19 species of plants with medicinal potential suitable for agroforestry systems were also identified.

Yonghong Hu, Gilles Vincent, Xiao‐Ya Chen · Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden · China (Shanghai)

This case study examines the role of Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden in Shanghai's sustainable development over six years. The garden collaborates with local government on the "City Green Master Plan," supports urban horticulture and phytoremediation, and conserves 14 critically endangered plant species in East China. It also develops new plant varieties for functional food and educates the public on plant conservation.

Indra A.S.L.P. Putri, Bayu Wisnu Broto, Fajri Ansari · Jurnal Penelitian Kehutanan Wallacea · Indonesia

In the Maros-Pangkep karst area of Bantimurung-Bulusaraung National Park, Indonesia, bird responses to habitat change were studied across three disturbance degrees (core-zone, wilderness-zone, community-gardens). Birds in the karst were sensitive to habitat changes, responding by reducing individual and species numbers, shifting species from low to high tolerance, changing feeding guilds, decreasing large-bodied species, and reducing species requiring special nesting locations.

S. S. Horowitz, Liu JuanJuan Liu JuanJuan · CABI eBooks · China (Wuhan)

This chapter, focusing on a case study of intra-urban agriculture in Wuhan, China, mapped the dynamic relations between actors, institutions, processes, and spaces. Theoretical and practical challenges to growing food within Chinese cities were identified, and ways for state and non-state actors to collaborate in reassembling intra-urban agriculture to maximize its social, ecological, and economic contributions were suggested.

Heejoon Choi, Junga Lee, Heejung Sohn, Dong-Gil Cho, Youngkeun Song · Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology · South Korea

This study analyzed the landscape-ecological characteristics of green spaces in a high-density built-up area and evaluated the potential of introducing urban gardens to generate green networks in residential zones. It selected Yeoksam-Dong, Seoul — designated both a green-initiative zone and a park-service-deprived area — as the site, categorizing existing green space into street trees, private gardens, public pocket gardens, rooftop gardens, and parks, then applying FRAGSTATS landscape-index analysis and multi-buffer connectivity assessment. Results showed green area distributed in the order: street trees, private gardens, public pocket gardens, parks, rooftop gardens. Street trees' total core area (TCA, 1,618 m²) was comparable to that of parks (1,128 m²). Private gardens showed potential for green networking through gardening, given irregular patch shapes (ED=78.1 m/ha) and close average distance between patches (ENN=33.9 m). Public pocket gardens also showed potential, being evenly distributed (LPI=5.7%, SHEI=0.9) while exposed to external disturbance (TCA=66 m²). Small green networks within a 50m buffer of connected green area covered 84% of the study site, with green-network effects expected from gardening in public pocket gardens (27%) and street trees (26%).

Christopher Schliephake · LA Referencia (Red Federada de Repositorios Institucionales de Publicaciones Científicas) · South Korea

This essay examines contemporary urbanism's re-negotiation of nature's place in cities, presenting bottom-up and top-down urban agriculture models as alternative approaches to re-embed urban systems in natural cycles. It discusses socio-historical changes in urban landscapes since industrialization and analyzes the cultural urban ecology in South Korean director Hae-jun Lee’s 2009 film "Cast Away on the Moon." The film imaginatively explores these issues, prompting a re-consideration of urban lifestyles and the regenerative potential of working with soil.

Yuanyuan Shi, Min Qingwen, Lu He, Fuller Anthony M · Journal of Resources and Ecology · China

This paper proposes "Agricultural Heritage Systems" as an entry point to balance urban and rural development in China, addressing threats posed by rapid urbanization. It focuses on public dietary change, agricultural industry development, institutional guarantees, ecological restoration, and cultural tourism in urban and peri-urban agricultural heritage sites, establishing a development model that balances urbanization and urban-supported agriculture. The paper argues this approach can preserve traditional culture, maintain organic farming, leverage landscape tourism, and utilize urban funds and technology to support rural enterprises.

刘颂, 潘鸿婷 · 中国城市林业 · China

This review discusses the definition of urban agriculture landscapes, examines the significance and characteristics of creating them, and identifies the need to introduce new technologies into their construction. It summarizes the application of related techniques from three perspectives — habitat construction, vertical (stereoscopic) agriculture, and artistic creation — as a reference for building urban agriculture landscapes that combine productivity, technical refinement, and landscape aesthetics.

· International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR) · India

A study of the pink hibiscus mealybug (Maconellicoccus hirsutus), documented as a growing urban pest in the agricultural fields of Vadodara, India. Regular visits to agricultural fields and community gardens over two years (April 2013-April 2015) tracked the pest's morphology, biology, distribution, and relation to biotic and abiotic factors, along with damage type and extent on different host plants. Major infestation occurred on Annona squamosa, followed by significant infestation on Hibiscus rosa-sinensis and Gossypium hirsutum (cotton), with adult females and nymphs as the main infesting stages and damage peaking in the winter months of November to February. The study also documented a mealybug-ant mutualistic association and noted that the prevailing use of chemical pesticides in the city is a probable reason for the growing mealybug population.

Soyoung 백소영Baek, Mooyoung 한무영Han · 한국생태환경건축학회 학술발표대회 논문집 · South Korea (Seoul)

A comparative study of a concave green roof and a normal roof was conducted on building #35 at Seoul National University in Seoul, South Korea. The study aimed to validate the effects on urban flood mitigation, urban heat island reduction, and food production. The concave green roof demonstrated a 60% reduction in peak flow quantity, a 3-hour delay in peak time, and stored 6.7 tons of rainwater per 140 m². A temperature difference of 27 °C was observed, and the 420 m² green roof for urban agriculture is managed by over 30 households near the campus.

Kyung-chan Min, Jee-young Kim, yong-hoon Son · Institutional Repositories DataBase (IRDB) · South Korea

A study in Gwanak-gu, Seoul, South Korea, investigated 45 spontaneous agricultural lands, primarily around Mt. Gwanak, which often present risks like disaster, pollution, and landscape degradation. Using GIS, satellite images, field surveys, and interviews, the study classified these lands into six types. Three types were well-managed, while three types were in poor condition, indicating governance challenges. The research discusses the causes of these conditions and explores the potential for these lands to become community open spaces.

Patekur Patekur · · Indonesia

A qualitative classroom action research study was conducted with class X-5 at SMA Negeri 1 Paciran, Indonesia, over two cycles. The research aimed to assess the impact of school garden observations on student achievement in Biology. The study found that the average student achievement score increased from 67.58 in the first cycle to 83.58 in the second cycle, with student mastery rising from 32.26% to 90.32%. These results indicate that school garden observations can improve students' understanding of concepts and learning outcomes in Biology.

Min Wang · · China (Xi'an)

This study analyzed the dynamic change and spatial difference of urban agricultural multi-functionality in Xi'an metropolitan zone, China, from 2000 to 2013. Using a comprehensive evaluation method and coupling coordinative degree model, it found that production, economic, and social functions generally rose, while ecological function declined. The overall multi-functional coupling coordination degree increased only slightly, and remained low across all regions, showing a core-periphery distribution.

· Urban Ecology · China (Beijing)

This article discusses the pivotal role of soil in urban green spaces (UGS) for maintaining urban ecosystem services, including food production, in the Beijing Metropolitan Region. Urban soils serve as large pools of carbon, nitrogen, and other elements, supporting plant growth and biogeochemical cycles. Quantifying soil properties and understanding soil conditions are essential for assessing UGS ecosystem services and detecting pollution.

Yu Wang · · China (Xi'an)

This paper constructed indicators for urban agricultural land use efficiency by incorporating urban agricultural ecosystem service indexes and evaluating their values in Xi'an city using the DEA method, analyzing temporal and spatial changes. Results showed that economic efficiency of agricultural land use gradually increased from 2010 to 2012, reaching 1 in 2011 and 2012, with social and eco-efficiency both in good conditions, indicating increasingly significant urban agriculture service functions. However, economic efficiency decreased spatially from urban core to suburban and rural areas, while social efficiency remained generally high, and eco-efficiency diminished from the city to surrounding counties.

Haijian Feng, Zhongxue Zhou · Zhongguo shengtai nongye xuebao · China (Xi'an)

This study analyzed the spatial differentiation of urban agricultural functions in the Xi'an metropolitan zone, China, using ArcGIS grid technology at a 0.5 km × 0.5 km scale. Findings showed that production-economic function increased from southwest to northeast and from near-suburban to mid-far-suburban plains, while employment function was lower in the Qinling mountainous area than in plains. Cultural-leisure function exhibited a concentric spatial structure, and ecological function decreased from the urban periphery to the center, with severe fragmentation of ecological function value distribution areas.

赵子军 · 中国标准化 · China (Beijing)

This article discusses the path for agricultural modernization in Beijing, China, emphasizing a "city-type" modern agriculture. "City-type" modern agriculture is defined as highly intensive and multifunctional agriculture developed near cities in blurred urban-rural boundaries. It aims to provide urban residents with quality agricultural products and beautiful ecological environments, as well as spaces for leisure, agricultural experiences, and rural understanding.

Wenyan Yang, Zhongxue Zhou · PubMed · China (Xi'an)

This study estimated the water and soil conservation service value of agricultural ecosystems in Xi'an metropolitan, China, from 2000 to 2011, using remote sensing and GIS methods. The total value increased significantly over the period, with cultivated land, forest, and grassland providing higher values than other land uses. The value decreased from south to north and showed a negative correlation with urbanization level, indicating lower values in more urbanized areas.

김재연, 김윤수, 이연숙 · · Korea

This study identified 39 evaluation items to measure the effects of community gardens in Korea, categorizing them into five broad areas: eco-environmental, production and economic, physical, psychological, and social effects, further subdivided into 12 types. The research involved literature reviews of domestic and international documents and case studies of domestic sites.

Hee Soo Kim, Hyun‐Kyung Kang, Seung Jun Back · Journal of people, plants, and environment · South Korea (Seoul)

This research analyzed user satisfaction and preferences for hotel rooftop gardens in Seoul and Incheon, South Korea, to propose renovation plans. Customer satisfaction analysis showed that C Hotel and P Hotel in downtown Seoul had lower satisfaction regarding plant numbers and variety compared to H Hotel in Incheon. User preferences indicated a desire for multi-functional green spaces that host cultural and community events and offer physical exercise opportunities.

QI Airon · · China

Using entropy value analysis, obstacle degree analysis, and GIS spatial analysis, this study built an urban agro-ecological security evaluation system for Xi'an, China, and found the security index rose from 0.44 in 2002 to 0.68 in 2011. Urbanization had a large negative influence on the sustainability and system stability of urban agricultural resources but a positive influence on output growth and development assurance, while the average obstacle degree of the key limiting factors declined from 12.47% in 2003 to 7.05% in 2006 and 4.97% in 2011; the security index also varied spatially across districts, lowest (≤0.15) in Lianhu, Beilin, and Xincheng and highest (>0.35) in Chang'an and Yanliang, reflecting differences in agricultural production conditions, transport access, and linkage to the urban economy.

서명훈, 이원석, 전명희, 김성기 · · South Korea

In South Korea, urban agriculture is being revitalized with the enactment of urban agriculture-related laws in 2011 and active promotion by local governments. The total urban agriculture area in Seoul and Gyeonggi regions is 251.6 ha, and urban gardens with diverse crops exhibit biodiversity, allowing for relatively flexible insect life cycles. However, challenges include unauthorized biological and chemical pest control due to multiple people managing small areas, and the absence of winter crops due to limited usage periods. Environmentally friendly insect management, utilizing natural enemies, traps, and biodiversity, is necessary for urban gardens.